Health workers represented by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals have declared their intention to embark on a nationwide strike in 15 days unless the Federal Government addresses their longstanding welfare concerns. This ultimatum reflects the growing frustration among healthcare professionals regarding unresolved issues affecting their work environment and compensation.
In a memo directed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, dated October 9, 2024, the unions warned that they would resume their previously suspended strike action on October 25 if their demands continue to go unmet. This memo highlights the urgency of the situation and the unions’ commitment to advocating for their rights and well-being.
JOHESU comprises a coalition of several organizations, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and various associations of senior staff in universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions. The collective strength of these organizations underscores the seriousness of the impending action.
The memo, signed by JOHEUSU’s National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, outlines key issues that have remained unresolved for far too long. Notably, these concerns led to a nationwide strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023, which was suspended following intervention from President Bola Tinubu. The unions are now voicing their frustrations anew, emphasizing that the government has failed to address critical matters affecting their members.
Among the demands outlined in the memo are adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to align with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure as of January 2, 2014. The unions are also calling for the establishment of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health institutions, an increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers, and 70 years for consultants. Additionally, they seek fair remuneration for JOHESU members within professional regulatory councils.
Other pressing issues include the payment of outstanding arrears from the CONHESS review, tax waivers on allowances for healthcare workers, and the immediate payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances to those who were omitted. The unions are also calling for the withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures, which they believe hinder effective healthcare delivery.
The unions have emphasized the need for immediate action on several fronts, including the implementation of CONHESS adjustments, payment of 25 percent of CONHESS review arrears, and the disbursement of nine months’ salaries from January to September 2024 for staff in regulatory agencies. They are also advocating for the restoration of funding for the Environmental Health Regulatory Council and the reconstitution of boards and governing councils of federal health institutions.
In their memo, the unions stated: “Due to the unanimous resolution made by the JOHESU Expanded National Executive Council during a hybrid meeting on October 2, 2024, and in compliance with Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 LFN, 2004, JOHESU is compelled to give the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum starting from October 10, 2024. If no action is taken, all our members in federal health institutions will proceed with a seven-day strike from midnight on October 25, 2024.
“JOHESU has consistently displayed maturity and patriotism, even amid significant provocations and the government’s delays in addressing our members’ concerns. This 15-day ultimatum reflects our frustration with the lack of response from the federal government to our members’ needs, despite our willingness to cooperate.”
