“Health Workers Maintain Indefinite Strike Over Delayed Salaries and Welfare Issues”

Health sector unions in Nigeria have declared their ongoing strike will persist until the Federal Government addresses their core demand: the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

Martin Egbanubi, National Secretary of the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU), told reporters that negotiations with the government had so far failed to yield results, leaving the strike, which began on November 15, 2025, in place. The unions argue that longstanding welfare and salary disparities have remained unaddressed across successive administrations.

JOHESU, representing several key unions including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, stressed that while multiple issues fuel the strike, the delayed implementation of CONHESS remains the top priority.

The industrial action has severely disrupted public health services nationwide, leaving hundreds of patients struggling to access essential care. Egbanubi reaffirmed that no intimidation or sanctions would deter union members from continuing their protest until their demands are met.