FG vows to review health workers’ salary, denies rejecting CONHESS report

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare made this known in a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, on Saturday night.

The statement was in response to a joint release by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the dispute between the ministry and JOHESU.

Balogun, while reacting to allegations that the ministry deliberately refused to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of CONHESS submitted in 2021, described the claims as untrue and misleading.

Balogun stated: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterates and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sustaining industrial harmony within Nigeria’s health sector.

“There is absolutely no truth in the allegations of deliberate refusal to implement the Technical Committee’s report, nor is there any discrimination against any category of health workers.”

The ministry spokesperson said contrary to the allegations by organised labour, the federal government had, since the commencement of the strike, held several conciliatory meetings with JOHESU at both the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

‘No work, no pay’: JOHESU vows to continue strike

Balogun said the meetings were aimed at resolving the dispute amicably, despite JOHESU’s decision to approach the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for intervention.

Balogun said: “A high-level conciliatory meeting convened on January 15, by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, formed part of sustained efforts to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution.

“The ministry states unequivocally that it reached a tentative understanding with JOHESU on a framework for resolving the lingering trade dispute at the meeting held on January 15.”

He explained that at the meeting, JOHESU presented proposals, including the implementation of the 2021 report of the Technical Sub-Committee of the High-Level Body chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

He said the commission had recommended an adjustment of CONHESS.

Balogun added that the unions also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the “No Work, No Pay” circular, insisting that it should not apply to their members.

The ministry spokesman appealed to JOHESU to maintain the status quo to enable the NSIWC to conclude an ongoing job evaluation aimed at determining the appropriate placement of all health professionals.

JOHESU commenced the indefinite strike on November 14, 2025, following its demand that CONHESS be adjusted in the same manner as the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The Star