The development comes months after the union suspended a nationwide strike that commenced on November 15, 2025, following negotiations with government representatives. The suspension was reached after the government appealed for more time to address the unions’ demands, with assurances that a committee decision would be finalised by April.
Chairman of JOHESU in Cross River State, Bassey Icha, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that health workers resumed duties after holding congresses across various units and branches to deliberate on the government’s appeal.
According to Icha, the industrial action was primarily triggered by the failure to review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was introduced in 2009 and has remained unchanged. He noted that in contrast, medical doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) have benefited from multiple salary reviews over the years, resulting in what he described as a widening remuneration gap within the health sector.
The union also expressed concern over several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the Federal Government since 2014 that have yet to be implemented. Icha further revealed that a 2021 memorandum submitted to the Budget Office is still awaiting processing by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
While clarifying that JOHESU is not seeking salary parity with medical doctors, Icha emphasised that the union is demanding a fair and overdue adjustment in line with existing government salary templates.
He warned that failure by the government to deliver concrete outcomes by the end of April would compel the union to resume its suspended strike.
In addition to salary concerns, JOHESU called on the Federal Government to prioritise healthcare reforms, including enhanced training for personnel, provision of modern medical equipment, and improved working conditions to strengthen service delivery across the country.