The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has issued a stern warning of an imminent renewed nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed salary adjustments and other longstanding demands by the end of April 2026.
Dr Bassey Icha, Chairman of JOHESU’s Cross River State chapter, made the declaration during an interview with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The threat comes shortly after JOHESU suspended its prolonged nationwide strike, which commenced on November 15, 2025, and was called off on February 6, 2026, following appeals from the government and internal congresses held by members across units and branches.
Icha highlighted that the core grievance remains the non-review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), introduced in 2009 but left unadjusted for over 15 years, while doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) have benefited from multiple reviews, creating a significant pay disparity in the health sector.
“JOHESU was not demanding parity with doctors’ salaries but was seeking a fair review based on government salary templates,” he said.
He pointed out that numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the government since 2014 have remained unimplemented, including a 2021 memo forwarded to the Budget Office that has yet to receive approval from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
According to Icha, the recent suspension was granted after the government requested additional time for a committee to finalize approvals, with positive outcomes expected by April.
“Failure to achieve positive outcomes by the end of April would force JOHESU back to industrial action,” he said.
