Health workers issue 15-day ultimatum to Nigerian govt amid threat of strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) has formally notified the Federal Government of a 15-day deadline to address unresolved welfare concerns, warning that its members will initiate a strike if their demands are not met.

In a memo sent to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, on October 9, 2024, JOHESU announced it would resume its previously suspended strike on October 25 unless progress is made.

The memo, titled “Notice of 15 Days Ultimatum and Resumption of Suspended Strike Action,” outlines the grievances that led to a prior strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023, which was halted after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

JOHESU comprises several unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and various staff associations linked to universities and healthcare institutions. The memo, signed by National Chairman Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, details various unresolved issues that remain a source of contention.

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Key demands include adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, akin to the adjustments made for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure in 2014. Additionally, the unions seek the implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health facilities, an increase in the retirement age for health workers, and the settlement of outstanding payments to JOHESU members in professional regulatory councils.

The list also highlights the need for the immediate payment of arrears related to the CONHESS review, tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances to health workers who were previously overlooked. Furthermore, JOHESU is calling for the suspension of the planned establishment of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency and the withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.

In a statement, the unions emphasized the necessity for immediate action: “Consequently, arising from the unanimous resolution of JOHESU Expanded National Executive Council at a hybrid meeting held on 2nd October 2024, and in compliance with the provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap.T8 LFN, 2004, JOHESU is constrained to give the Federal Government of Nigeria 15 days ultimatum with effect from Thursday, 10th October 2024. This will lead to a seven-day strike commencing at midnight on October 25, 2024.”

They warned that failure to address these concerns would result in an indefinite strike following the warning period. The memo expressed frustration over the government’s inaction: “Honourable Minister Sir, you will agree with us that JOHESU has always exhibited maturity, selflessness, and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and the government’s long delay in meeting these demands of workers under JOHESU. We think that our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.”

“This 15-day ultimatum is necessitated by the non-response of the Federal Government to the plight of our members, despite our benevolence,” the memo concluded.

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