Health workers threaten indefinite nationwide strike on Nov. 15
Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate
Health workers in Nigeria have given government up to November 14 to implement necessary adjustments to their salaries or face a nationwide industrial action.
They accuse the government of discrimination in the handling of welfare issues affecting them despite several agreements and presidential assurances.
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) issued the ultimatum, which takes effect from Friday, October 31st, 2025.
It was signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.
Members of the JOHESU include Allied Health Professionals, Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The union said the dispute centres on the failure to implement the upward adjustment of their salaries as was done to medical doctors thrice from 2014 to date.
According to JOHESU, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government on 29 October 2024, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s assurances on 5 June 2023, have not been fulfilled.
The union described the situation as the longest-running welfare dispute in Nigeria’s labour history.
“In 2025 alone, the federal government has promised and failed to deliver on timelines agreed for the PCS to be convened on four different occasions,” the statement read.
The union said its patience has run out, stating that if the federal government fails to issue a circular for the CONHESS salary structure adjustment, its members will withdraw services across health facilities nationwide with effect from midnight of Friday, 14 November 2025.
