Nigeria’s health sector may grind to halt as workers embark on 7-day strike

The Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared a seven-day warning strike, effective midnight, October 25, 2024.

This decision follows the federal government’s failure to address critical welfare issues.

Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, National President of JOHESU, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, expressed disappointment that despite repeated assurances, the government has not responded positively to their demands.

Key Demands

1. Immediate Implementation of CONHESS Adjustment: Adjustment of health workers’ salaries.

2. Payment of CONHESS Review Arrears: 25% review of arrears from June to December 2023.

3. Payment of Salaries to Regulatory Agencies: Nine months’ salary for staff.

4. Restoration of Funding to Environmental Health Regulatory Council: Immediate funding restoration.

5. Reconstitution of Boards/Governing Councils: Federal Health Institutions’ governing councils.

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6. Retirement Age Review: Upward review through Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

7. Tax Waiver on Healthcare Workers’ Allowances: Exemption from tax.

8. COVID-19 Inducement Hazard Allowances: Payment to omitted health workers.

9. Suspension of National Health Facility Regulatory Agency: Immediate suspension.

Minjibir stated, “In compliance with the Provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, members of JOHESU affiliate Unions… shall embark on seven days strike action.”

He warned that if demands are not met, JOHESU will embark on an indefinite strike. “If at the end of the seven days warning strike, the Federal Government fails to meet our demands, JOHESU has no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike action.”

“The general public should bear with us all inconveniences… during this period. We urge consumers of healthcare and well-meaning Nigerians to empathize with us,” Minjibir appealed.

“JOHESU is always committed to the use of the instrumentality of Social Dialogue to resolve matters affecting the welfare and working conditions of members. We shall therefore keep all our channels of communication open during this period.”

“We urge the consumers of healthcare and well-meaning Nigerians to give solidarity to this struggle which is aimed at making healthcare delivery effective, accessible and affordable in the country.

“JOHESU warns that no member should be victimized on the account of this action which is a dispute of right.”

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