NLC warns Nigerian govt of fresh health sector strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal Government to urgently resolve the ongoing salary dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) warning that another strike could happen if talks do not resume.

The NLC made the call in a letter dated August 6, 2026, and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero. The letter was addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment.

The development followed a July 31 letter from JOHESU, which complained about the slow progress in resolving its demands, especially the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The NLC said several agreements reached between the government and health workers over the years had not fully addressed their concerns.

“We are similarly concerned that years after signing MoUs, terms of agreement and CBAs (Collective Bargaining Agreements) in addition to promises and assurances from appropriate authorities, members of JOHESU have been ignored or abandoned,” Ajaero said.

NLC urged the Labour Minister to intervene immediately and ensure that negotiations with the unions resume. It also called on him to engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries over the issue.

“Honourable Minister, in light of the above, we strongly urge that you do all that is within your power to ensure immediate resumption of the collective agreement negotiation as well as nudge the Presidential Committee on Salaries to do the needful,” the letter stated.

The NLC said failure to resolve the dispute could have serious effects on healthcare services and industrial relations.

Although the NLC said it was not issuing a threat, it promised to support JOHESU if the union decided to resume industrial action.