Health unions suspend picketing as FG sets up committee to address demands

The Joint Health Sector Unions have suspended their planned picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who has set up a high-level committee to address the unions’ demands.

The decision was disclosed on Wednesday by the President of JOHESU, Kabiru Minjibir, during a discussion with our correspondent on Wednesday.

The National Secretary of JOHESU, Martin Egbanubi, had told our correspondent that the unions would picket their parent ministry, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to press home their demands.

JOHESU, alongside the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations, began an indefinite nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted CONHESS and address other welfare and systemic challenges affecting health workers.

The suspension of the picketing signals a temporary de-escalation of the industrial action, as stakeholders await the outcome of the committee’s deliberations.

According to Minjibir, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress met with President Tinubu on Tuesday night, during which the issues affecting JOHESU were formally tabled before the President.

He explained that although the meeting was held between the NLC leadership and the President, JOHESU’s demands, particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, were a major part of the discussions.

He said that following the meeting, President Tinubu constituted a committee to engage labour unions and resolve outstanding issues.

“The President met with the leadership of the NLC last night, and we tabled the issue of JOHESU before Mr President, and he set up a committee under the leadership of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.

“The committee also includes the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, as well as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and has been mandated to meet with labour leaders and report back to the President.

“He directed them to sit with us, iron out all issues related to labour, and bring the outcome back to him,” the JOHESU chairman said.

He added that a meeting between the committee and labour representatives was scheduled for 9 am on Wednesday to continue discussions, particularly on the long-standing demand for the adjustment of CONHESS.

“In view of the ongoing talks, JOHESU decided to temporarily suspend its planned picketing exercise.

“We have put the picketing on hold and allowed the discussion to see its outcome,” he added.

When asked if the union was hopeful that the committee would resolve its demands, the JOHESU president expressed cautious optimism.

“Yes, we are hopeful, especially on the issue of CONHESS adjustment, but it will depend on the outcome of the committee’s meeting,” Minjibir said.