By Nworisa Michael
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the implementation of agreements affecting health workers, citing the inactivity of a federal government committee set up to address salary-related issues.
In a statement, JOHESU President Kabiru Minjibir disclosed that the committee, inaugurated by the Federal Ministry of Health to handle matters relating to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and salary adjustments, has not resumed sitting since October 2025.
According to him, the committee—chaired by the Minister of Labour, Muhammadu Dingyadi—was mandated to address key concerns surrounding the CBA and the review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), but has remained inactive months after its inauguration.
Minjibir noted that the delay comes amid longstanding disputes between the Federal Government and health sector unions over salary structures, allowances, and working conditions.
JOHESU, which represents nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other health professionals, has consistently called for a review of CONHESS, the salary scale for non-physician health workers. The union argues that disparities between CONHESS and the doctors’ salary structure, CONMESS, continue to generate dissatisfaction within the sector.
The disagreement has, in the past, led to several industrial actions that disrupted healthcare services across federal government-owned hospitals.
Labour analysts warn that the continued delay in reconvening the committee could escalate tensions in the already strained health sector, where unresolved welfare issues persist.
The committee was expected to provide a platform for negotiations on wage adjustments, allowances, and improved welfare packages, as well as help prevent further strikes. However, its prolonged inactivity has raised concerns about the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issues.
Nigeria’s health sector continues to face significant challenges, including the migration of medical professionals abroad, funding constraints, increasing patient demand, and recurring labour disputes. Stakeholders caution that failure to address workers’ concerns could worsen the ongoing brain drain and further weaken healthcare delivery nationwide.
