The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the umbrella body representing health workers across Nigeria, has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike following a last-minute intervention by the Federal Ministry of Labour.
The National President of JOHESU, Kabir Minjibir, confirmed the development via a brief text message to journalists.
“The strike has been suspended,” Minjibir stated.
The industrial action, which entered its 84th day before being called off, had crippled activities in government-owned hospitals nationwide, leaving thousands of patients stranded and forcing many Nigerians to seek medical care in private facilities.
JOHESU represents health professionals across key departments, including pharmacies, laboratories, and other allied services. The union had insisted that the strike would continue until the Federal Government implements the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted as far back as 2021.
The prolonged shutdown of public health services also drew the attention of organised labour, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in solidarity with the striking workers.
Sources within the labour movement confirmed that the suspension followed intense negotiations facilitated by the Ministry of Labour, aimed at preventing a wider industrial crisis.
While JOHESU has yet to release a detailed statement outlining the terms of the suspension, hospital services are expected to gradually resume across federal and state-owned health facilities.
More details are expected.
