The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on Friday announced the suspension of its nationwide strike after 84 days, bringing temporary relief to patients across Nigeria who had struggled to access essential medical services in public hospitals.
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The industrial action, which began in November 2025, had paralysed operations in government-owned health facilities nationwide, with pharmacies, laboratories, and other support services largely shut down. Thousands of patients were forced to turn to private hospitals and alternative care centres, while teaching hospitals and federal medical centres operated skeletal services.
Confirming the suspension, JOHESU National President Kabir Minjibir said the decision followed a late-night intervention by the Federal Ministry of Labour on Thursday, which reopened discussions between union leaders and government officials. Details of the negotiations were not immediately disclosed, but the move was widely seen as a breakthrough in the prolonged dispute.
JOHESU represents health professionals across several departments, including pharmacy, laboratory services, and other critical support units. The union had earlier insisted it would continue the strike until the Federal Government implemented recommendations of a Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), submitted in 2021.
The prolonged shutdown prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to issue a 14-day ultimatum in solidarity with the health workers, warning that the impasse could escalate into broader labour unrest if not resolved.
Healthcare stakeholders and patients have welcomed the suspension, expressing hope that ongoing negotiations will produce a lasting agreement. Public hospitals are expected to gradually resume full operations after nearly three months of disruption.
Despite suspending the strike, JOHESU said it remains cautious and could resume industrial action if the Federal Government fails to implement the committee’s recommendations. For now, the development offers a reprieve for millions of Nigerians affected by the shutdown and underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving labour disputes in the health sector.
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