The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have announced an indefinite nationwide strike, set to begin on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
The unions said the shutdown was necessary following the Federal Government’s continued failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and address longstanding welfare and systemic challenges facing health workers.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir.
The strike comes at a critical time, as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is already on an indefinite strike over unpaid hazard allowances, harsh working conditions, and unfulfilled welfare agreements. With both doctors and other health professionals now off duty, services in federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and many state hospitals are expected to be severely disrupted.
JOHESU comprises several key unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
Union Cites Years of Delay and Unmet Promises
According to the unions, the major trigger for the strike is the persistent delay in implementing the High-Level Body Committee’s report on the adjusted CONHESS, submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022.
They accused successive administrations of failing to address salary disparities in the health sector despite repeated assurances.
“Despite the well-advertised assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when JOHESU leadership met with him on June 5, 2023, the demand remains unattended to,” the statement said.
JOHESU lamented that government officials had previously blamed the delay on the failure to reconstitute the Presidential Committee on Salaries. However, even after its reconstitution, the unions said the matter received no meaningful attention until the last 48 hours.
They described the situation as “one of the longest and most protracted demands in Nigeria’s labour history.”
States May Follow With Fresh Strike Notices
Following a unanimous resolution at JOHESU’s Expanded National Executive Council meeting on November 14, 2025, all affiliated unions across federal health institutions will fully comply with the strike directive.
Additionally, unions in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to issue their governments a 15-day strike notice in accordance with labour laws.
Unimplemented Agreements Prompt Final Push
JOHESU recalled suspending earlier strike actions in June 2023 and October 2024 following presidential intervention and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. However, the unions said the government failed to honour the agreements.
“Unfortunately, there has been no positive response despite assurances during subsequent meetings with relevant ministries and agencies,” the statement noted.
The unions said they were left with no choice after years of patience, dialogue, and unfulfilled promises.
“There is no doubt that we have exhibited maturity, selflessness, and patriotism. Yet, our goodwill has been taken for granted,” the statement added.
Warning Against Intimidation
JOHESU instructed its members nationwide to comply strictly with the strike and warned the government against any form of harassment or sanctions.
“JOHESU will not accept victimisation of its members. This action is a legitimate dispute of right, and all communication channels will remain open during the strike,” the statement concluded.
