Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: JOHESU

  • Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    In an update published by Channels TV, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike following a breakthrough in negotiations with the Federal Government. The suspension brings relief to millions of Nigerians who have been unable to access affordable healthcare services in public hospitals for nearly three months.

    The union, which represents nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, had downed tools over issues including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the payment of hazard allowance arrears. The government has reportedly agreed to a phased implementation of the new salary structure and has committed to clearing outstanding arrears by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

    While the strike is suspended, the union has warned that its members will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to uphold its end of the bargain. Hospital managements across the country have been directed to ensure a smooth transition and immediate resumption of clinical services.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and Premium Times highlight the human cost of the dispute. Vanguard reported that “maternal and child mortality rates spiked in several states during the strike period,” and Premium Times quoted the JOHESU Chairman saying, “we are suspending the strike in good faith, but our eyes are on the implementation timeline.”

    Echotitbits take: The healthcare system has taken a massive hit, and “suspending” is not the same as “ending.” The government must prioritize these payments to prevent a total collapse of the public health sector, especially with Lassa Fever cases rising in the North.

    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/johesu-suspends-84-day-nationwide-strike/, February 10, 2026

    Photo credit: Voice of Nigeria

  • Federal Government Approves 300% Increase in Uniform Allowance for Nurses

    Federal Government Approves 300% Increase in Uniform Allowance for Nurses

    In a major update published by The Punch, the Federal Government has officially approved a 300% hike in the annual uniform allowance for Nigerian nurses, raising the payment to N80,000 effective from January 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve welfare in the health sector and stem the “Japa” syndrome—the mass exodus of medical professionals to the UK, US, and Canada.

    The decision comes on the heels of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) suspending an 84-day nationwide strike. While the allowance increase is a win for the unions, the government is also looking at more holistic reforms, including updated cancer control roadmaps and better equipment distribution for primary health centers.

    This development was also covered by Daily Post, which noted that “the allowance increase is a symbolic gesture of the government’s commitment to healthcare workers.” Tribune highlighted the human angle, quoting a nurse who said, “While N80,000 isn’t enough to solve all our problems, it shows the government is finally listening to the cries of the frontline workers.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic “cooling” tactic to maintain industrial peace in the health sector. However, a uniform allowance won’t stop the brain drain alone. The real test will be whether the government can improve the actual working conditions and security of these nurses in rural areas.

    Source: NigerianEye – nigerianeye.com/2026/02/fg-approves-300-increase-in-nurses.html, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: NigerianEye

  • Health Workers Vow to Sustain Strike Over Unmet Salary Demands

    Health Workers Vow to Sustain Strike Over Unmet Salary Demands

    Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions have vowed to sustain their nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of dragging its feet on implementing a new Consolidated Health Salary Structure agreed since 2022. The unions argue that most of their welfare demands hinge on this single pay review.

    The industrial action has already forced public hospitals to scale down services, with many patients turned back or pushed to more expensive private facilities. Union leaders say they have shown patience but can no longer work under conditions they deem unfair and demotivating.

    Health-policy commentators warn that prolonged disruption will further erode trust in public hospitals and may worsen health outcomes, especially for poor Nigerians who rely solely on government facilities. They urge both sides to compromise quickly, noting that previous health-sector strikes have often ended with partial, delayed implementation of agreements.

    Source: Punch – “Health workers vow to continue strike”.