NLC warns Nigerian govt of fresh health sector strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the Federal Government of Nigeria that a fresh strike could be imminent in the health sector unless an urgent resolution is reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The NLC made this assertion in a letter, dated August 6, 2026, and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment.

The warning comes in response to a letter from JOHESU, dated July 31, which expressed frustration over the slow progress in resolving their demands, particularly regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The NLC highlighted that despite several agreements signed between the government and health workers over the years, their concerns have not been fully addressed.

According to Ajaero, "We are similarly concerned that years after signing MoUs, terms of agreement and CBAs (Collective Bargaining Agreements) in addition to promises and assurances from appropriate authorities, members of JOHESU have been ignored or abandoned." The NLC has called on the Labour Minister to intervene promptly and facilitate the resumption of negotiations with JOHESU.

They also urged the Minister to engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries to address the issue. The letter stated, "Honourable Minister, in light of the above, we strongly urge that you do all that is within your power to ensure immediate resumption of the collective agreement negotiation as well as nudge the Presidential Committee on Salaries to do the needful."

The NLC emphasized that failing to resolve the dispute could have detrimental effects on healthcare services and industrial relations. While the NLC did not explicitly threaten a strike, they assured JOHESU of their support should the union decide to resume industrial action.