Key Takeaways
- JOHESU and AHPA demand immediate action from President Tinubu on health agreements.
- Prolonged delay in implementation could lead to industrial unrest.
- Unresolved issues hinder effective governance and healthcare delivery.
- Health institutions lack governing boards, affecting accountability.
- Pressure mounts on the government ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (AHPA) have made a compelling call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly on implementing a crucial adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The unions have asserted that any continued delay could jeopardize healthcare services and foster industrial conflict.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the unions emphasized the urgency of addressing the outstanding agreements that were part of a settlement reached with the Federal Government on February 15, 2026, which led to the end of an 84-day nationwide strike. They pointed out that key commitments have remained unattended for several months, thereby undermining the morale of healthcare workers and the quality of care delivered to the public.
Critical issues still unresolved include the implementation of the CONHESS adjustment as well as the resumption of negotiations pertaining to the Health Sector Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The unions also highlighted the lack of governing boards for various health institutions, which has created operational challenges within the sector.
JOHESU and AHPA noted that while ministries such as Education, Labour, and Aviation have had their boards inaugurated, the health sector continues to suffer from the absence of these essential governing bodies. The unions warned that without these boards, institutional oversight is compromised, decision-making becomes sluggish, and accountability is undermined.
They further articulated that the absence of governing boards has disrupted the functionalities of professional councils, which include accreditation of training institutions, approving practice guidelines, and maintaining disciplinary processes. This legislative framework cannot operate effectively without properly constituted governing councils.
The unions stated, “We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment and inaugurate the Boards of Management for parastatals, agencies, and departments under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare." They also urged the President to meet the other pressing demands of health workers in a timely manner.
Moreover, the unions expressed that the delay in addressing these issues has precipitated institutional deficiencies, thereby impacting the governance of the health sector. They warned that immediate action is imperative as political activities leading up to the 2027 general elections may further delay necessary reforms.
Failing to act could result in avoidable industrial disharmony, which ultimately affects healthcare consumers and disrupts essential health services. The urgent appeal from these unions highlights the increasing pressure on the Federal Government to fulfill its commitments to health workers and rectify long-standing governance concerns within Nigeria’s health sector.
Why This Matters
This situation illustrates the critical need for swift governmental action to ensure that healthcare workers' agreements are honored, which is essential for maintaining industrial peace and enhancing service delivery in Nigeria's health sector.