Nigerian Health Union Threatens Strike Over Salary Adjustments

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) in Nigeria, represented by Bassey Icha, has threatened to resume a nationwide strike if the government does not implement salary adjustments agreed upon in April. The strike, initially suspended on November 15, 2025, was halted by the national leadership on February 6.

JOHESU's main grievance stems from the failure to review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) introduced in 2009, which has led to significant pay disparities compared to doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The union seeks fair reviews based on government salary templates, citing several signed but unimplemented memoranda with the government since 2014.

Despite the government's appeal for more time pending committee approvals, JOHESU insists on positive outcomes by the end of April. Failure to achieve this may force JOHESU back into industrial action.

Research shows that Nigeria pays its healthcare workers less than other West African countries like Ghana, urging the government to prioritize training, equipment, and healthcare delivery improvements.