NLC warns FG of nationwide health strike over stalled salary talks

NLC President Joe Ajaero warned the Federal Government on August 6, 2026 that another health sector strike could occur if the ongoing salary dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) is not urgently resolved. In a letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Ajaero cited years of signed MoUs, Collective Bargaining Agreements and government promises—especially regarding adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS)—that have allegedly been ignored or abandoned.

The warning comes after JOHESU’s July 31 letter lamenting slow progress on their demands. NLC urged the Labour Minister to immediately resume negotiations and to engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries to push for a settlement. While the NLC said it was not issuing a threat, it pledged to back JOHESU should the union decide to restart industrial action, raising concerns about potential disruption to healthcare services nationwide.

Although no specific strike date was given, the August 6 letter and its follow‑up in mid‑August signal growing tension. Health workers’ grievances center on unpaid salary adjustments and perceived neglect of prior agreements, issues that have repeatedly triggered strikes in recent years.

If you depend on public hospitals for care, should you begin making contingency plans now, hope for a swift government response, or consider private alternatives in case services are disrupted?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/19/nlc-warns-nigerian-govt-of-fresh-health-sector-strike/