The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike, 84 days after it began, following a conciliation meeting with the Federal Government.
The announcement came in a communique issued on Friday after an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) emergency meeting in Abuja. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of Thursday’s conciliation session held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“After exhaustive deliberations and review of the terms of settlement of the conciliation meeting, the expanded NEC-in-Session voted unanimously to suspend the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike to allow for the implementation of the FG-JOHESU Terms of Settlement,” the statement, signed by JOHESU Chairman Kabiru Minjibir and Secretary Martin Adekunle, read.
The union expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience during the strike, adding, “A recurring infliction of injustice and a huge trust deficit necessitated this unfortunate and avoidable JOHESU nationwide strike. We hope the Federal and State Governments show both sensitivity and responsibility to prevent similar crises in the future.”
The industrial action, which entered its 84th day on Friday, had paralyzed government-owned hospitals across Nigeria, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to seek care in private facilities.
JOHESU thanked individuals and institutions that contributed to resolving the crisis, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the chairmen of the health committees in both chambers, hospital executives, professional organisations, and traditional leaders, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The union also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as its affiliate members in MHWUN, NUAHP, SSAUTHRIAI, and NASU, for their resilience and commitment throughout the strike.
The protracted strike had prompted a 14-day ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC in solidarity with health workers.
Background
JOHESU announced the indefinite strike in November 2025 to press for the implementation of the adjusted consolidated health salary structure. At the time, the union warned that the strike would disrupt medical services and academic activities nationwide, citing the government’s failure to fulfil previous agreements.
