By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal Government to urgently resolve the ongoing salary dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that another strike could occur if talks do not resume.
The NLC made the call in a letter dated Thursday, 6 August, 2026, and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment.
The development followed a Thursday, 31 July, 2026, letter from JOHESU, in which the union complained about the slow progress in resolving its demands, particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The NLC explained that several agreements reached between the government and health workers over the years had not fully addressed their concerns, disclosing that years after signing Memoranda of Understanding, terms of agreement and Collective Bargaining Agreements, alongside promises and assurances from appropriate authorities, members of JOHESU had been ignored or abandoned.
The congress urged the Labour Minister to intervene immediately and ensure that negotiations with the unions resume, while also calling on him to engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries over the issue.
It stressed that the Minister should do all within his power to ensure the immediate resumption of collective agreement negotiations, while also nudging the Presidential Committee on Salaries to fulfil its obligations.
The NLC warned that failure to resolve the dispute could have serious effects on healthcare services and industrial relations across the country.
While clarifying that it was not issuing a threat, the congress promised to support JOHESU should the union decide to resume industrial action.
