From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has assured the leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) that it is making serious efforts to resolve all outstanding labour matters affecting their members.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, gave the assurance when he received the union’s delegation, led by its National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Patience Onuobia on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Dingyadi pleaded with the union to exercise patience, revealing that government has already swung into action to resolve the demands that have sparked growing unrest among healthcare workers.
He also appealed to the unions to embrace dialogue in addressing grievances, stressing that negotiation remained the best approach to achieving lasting solutions.
The Minister commended JOHESU for its critical role in the health sector and its continued service to the well-being of Nigerians, and assured that the pending matters would be concluded soon.
Earlier, Comrade Minjibir commended the Minister for his role in promoting industrial harmony and acting as a stabilising force between the government and organised labour.
He also presented the union’s demands, including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the payment of seven months arrears (June to December 2023) of the CONHESS review.
JOHESU and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals comprise a coalition of several health sector unions.