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By Rebecca Samuel
The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA) has placed its members on nationwide red alert, warning of an impending industrial action in response to what it describes as deliberate breaches of its October 29, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government.
The union also accused the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) of spearheading efforts to derail the agreement. In a joint statement signed by its Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union decried mounting provocations and alleged acts of intimidation by the NMA.
JOHESU claimed that the NMA has launched a campaign to undermine key policies and agreements favoring non-physician healthcare professionals, particularly in efforts to reverse critical circulars and provisions already approved by the government.
“Central to our grievances is the full implementation of the MoU, which includes the upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the official recognition and rollout of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre, and an increase in the retirement age for health workers.” The union warned that any deviation from these terms will not be tolerated.
It further accused the NMA of issuing an illegitimate 21-day strike ultimatum contrary to the 15-day minimum notice required by labour laws governing essential services in a bid to pressure the Federal Government into reversing gains secured by JOHESU.
They described the NMA’s actions as driven by “selfish interests and longstanding hostility” toward non-physician cadres in the health system.
The group also condemned the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for what it termed collusion with the NMA. It alleged that a committee led by the Director of Hospital Services and dominated by NMA representatives is attempting to restrict the agreed retirement age of 65 and 70 years to only medical and dental professionals. It said this move undermines the intent and spirit of the MoU and would not be accepted.
Furthermore, it criticise the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for failing to enforce compliance with the Consultant Pharmacist cadre directive. JOHESU reminded the government that the cadre had been approved as far back as 2011 and reaffirmed in multiple agreements, with March 2025 set as the deadline for nationwide implementation.
In a separate letter by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), addressed to Prof. Pate, JOHESU demanded urgent action from the Minister to ensure full implementation of the October 2024 MoU.
The letter, signed by the President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, which was also copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment, accused the NMA of pushing for the withdrawal of circulars authorizing newly approved allowances for JOHESU members, such as enhanced call-duty, shift, and specialist allowances.
The union reiterated its position that no part of the MoU should be altered or negotiated by individuals or associations that are not parties to the agreement. JOHESU emphasised that any attempt to tamper with its rights would provoke a proportionate and decisive response.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful engagement, JOHESU stressed that its members who it says make up over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s health workforce are growing increasingly frustrated. It urged members to remain vigilant and ready to defend their rights using all legitimate means.
JOHESU warned that the Federal Government’s failure to act decisively could jeopardize the fragile industrial harmony in the health sector. The union maintained that its willingness to mediate should not be mistaken for weakness, and demanded immediate assurances from government stakeholders on the full and faithful implementation of the MoU.
