By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on Friday suspended its 84-day nationwide strike, bringing relief to the country’s health sector after weeks of disruption.
The decision followed a conciliatory meeting between JOHESU leaders and representatives of the Federal Government, chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, signed by Annah Daniel, AD (Information)
Head of Press and Public Rekations, released on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issues that triggered the prolonged industrial action. These include the review of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) with corresponding budgetary provisions, the immediate resolution of outstanding CONHESS concerns, and the withdrawal of the “no work, no pay” directive.
The government also assured union leaders that no health worker who participated in the strike would be victimised.
Based on these assurances, the leadership of JOHESU agreed to suspend the strike with immediate effect to allow the government time to implement the agreed commitments.
Senior government officials at the meeting included the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun; and the Minister of State for Health, Isiaq Salako.
On the labour side were the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, and its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro; JOHESU President, Kabir Minjibir; Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Adewale Adeyanju; and the NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.
The suspension of the strike is expected to pave the way for the full resumption of services across public health institutions nationwide.
