FG Breaks Silence on JOHESU Strike, Sets Framework for CONHESS Review
•Denies Allegations of ‘Institutional Disrespect’ to Health Workers.
•Proposes Administrative Resolution for ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy.
•Urges Unions to Resume Work in National Interest
ABUJA – The Federal Government has moved to quell the rising tension in the nation’s health sector, announcing a comprehensive framework aimed at resolving the industrial dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, the government reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), a major bone of contention that has crippled activities in public hospitals since November 14, 2025.
The Ministry’s reaction comes on the heels of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The labor centers had accused the government of “institutional disrespect” and a deliberate refusal to implement the 2021 Technical Committee report on salary adjustments.
Refuting these claims, the Ministry described the allegations as baseless.
“There is absolutely no truth in the allegations of deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor is there any discrimination against any category of health workers,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, a “tentative understanding” was reached during a high-level conciliatory meeting held on January 15, 2026. Key highlights of the government’s proposal include:
Job Evaluation Exercise: The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is currently conducting a job evaluation to ensure evidence-based salary placement. The exercise, which began in November 2025, is expected to conclude within six months.
CONHESS Adjustment: The government acknowledges the decade-long demand for CONHESS adjustment and insists the job evaluation is the necessary precursor to a sustainable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“No Work, No Pay” Waiver: Addressing the controversial “No Work, No Pay” circular, the Ministry hinted at a soft landing, stating that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the matter would be “handled administratively in its entirety.”
The Ministry expressed concern over the “mismatch” between the ongoing negotiations and the fresh ultimatum issued by the NLC and TUC. It noted that meetings were held as recently as January 20 and 22 to finalize the agreements reached on January 15.
“The demand by JOHESU for CONHESS adjustment has been longstanding for over a decade with previous federal governments unable to resolve it,” the Ministry noted, adding that the current administration is determined to find a permanent solution that promotes equity across professional cadres.
The Federal Government further urged JOHESU members to return to their duty posts to prevent further hardship for the Nigerian public, while commending other health professionals who have remained at their stations to keep federal hospitals functional.
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