The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) has presented a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action to address ongoing welfare concerns. If these issues are not resolved by October 25, 2024, members of JOHESU are prepared to resume their suspended strike.

A memo outlining these demands was sent to Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, on October 9, 2024. The document is titled “Notice of 15 Days Ultimatum and Resumption of Suspended Strike Action.” It was signed by JOHESU’s National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.

JOHESU represents various healthcare unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, among others.

The memo emphasizes unresolved issues stemming from a previous strike that occurred from May 19 to June 6, 2023, which was paused following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu. Key demands listed in the memo include:

  • Adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to align with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, effective since January 2, 2014.
  • Implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions.
  • An increase in the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years and from 60 to 70 years for consultants.
  • Payment of arrears related to the CONHESS review and tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances.

Additionally, JOHESU calls for immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances for health workers who were omitted, as well as a halt to the establishment and activities of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) and the withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.

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Other urgent demands include:

  • Prompt implementation of CONHESS adjustments.
  • Payment of nine months’ salaries (January to September 2024) to staff of Regulatory Agencies.
  • Restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council and the reconstitution of boards and governing councils of Federal Health Institutions.

“Following a unanimous resolution from our Expanded National Executive Council on October 2, 2024, and under the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act, JOHESU is compelled to issue a 15-day ultimatum starting October 10, 2024,” the memo states. “If our demands remain unmet after a seven-day warning strike, we will have no choice but to initiate an indefinite strike.”

The memo concludes by expressing disappointment over the Federal Government’s lack of response to JOHESU’s ongoing struggles, stating that the organization’s patience and commitment have been taken for granted.