The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) met in Abuja and virtually on Friday, February 6, 2026, to review the outcomes of the previous day’s conciliation talks. These discussions were part of ongoing efforts to resolve the grievances that had pushed JOHESU to declare the strike back in November 2025.
In a joint statement released by Comrade Kabir Ado Minijibir, the National President, and Comrade Martins Egbanubi, the National Secretary, the union confirmed that its members had unanimously agreed to halt the strike. The suspension takes immediate effect, with all healthcare workers under JOHESU’s umbrella instructed to resume work by midnight that same day.
The strike had been fueled by years of unresolved disputes, particularly the government’s failure to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) despite similar revisions being granted to other health workers under CONMESS over a decade ago. The prolonged industrial action had severe humanitarian consequences, with reports of rising maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as increased suffering among patients due to the absence of critical healthcare services.
Economically, the strike also took a heavy toll. According to internal estimates, the Federal Government lost close to one trillion naira in revenue during the 84-day period, further straining an already fragile economy.
Previous attempts to resolve the crisis, including meetings with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in mid-January, had failed to yield concrete results. It wasn’t until the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day ultimatum that the government took decisive action. The February 5 emergency meeting, attended by key ministers, labor leaders, and wage commission officials, finally produced a viable agreement.
Key resolutions from the talks include a restructuring of the existing collective bargaining agreement to address past shortcomings, immediate negotiations on the pending CONHESS adjustments, and a commitment to include the necessary budgetary provisions in the 2026 Appropriation Act. Additionally, the government agreed to withdraw its “no work, no pay” policy, ensure January salaries are paid, and guarantee that no worker faces retaliation for participating in the strike.
JOHESU acknowledged the efforts of several mediators, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and traditional leaders like the Ooni of Ife. The union also expressed gratitude to the NLC, TUC, and its own members for their unwavering solidarity during the difficult months of the strike.
While welcoming the suspension, JOHESU warned that any failure to fully implement the agreed terms would force labor unions to resort to further industrial actions. The union also called on both federal and state governments to address systemic injustices in the health sector to prevent future crises.
