The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) don beg Federal Government make dem quickly settle the salary matter wey dey between government and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning say if dem no return to negotiation table, another serious crisis fit happen for health sector.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, make the call for letter wey he send to the Minister of Labour and Employment on August 6, 2026. The letter come after JOHESU complain say government no dey move fast enough to address their demands, especially the matter of CONHESS salary adjustment.

NLC say e dey worry say despite plenty agreements, MoUs and collective bargaining agreements wey government don sign with health workers over the years, many of the issues still never get proper solution.

According to NLC, health workers don wait for government for too long, and the promises and assurances wey dem receive never fully settle the matter.

The labour body therefore appeal to the Labour Minister to make sure say negotiations resume immediately and also engage the Presidential Committee on Salaries so dem fit find lasting solution to the salary dispute.

NLC warn say if negotiation finally break down, the consequences fit serious, especially for healthcare delivery and industrial peace across Nigeria.

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Although Ajaero said the letter no be threat, he make am clear say if JOHESU eventually decide to take further industrial action, NLC go fully support the union.

The latest warning dey come months after JOHESU suspend an 84-day nationwide strike over the same CONHESS dispute.

The health unions originally begin the strike in November 2025 after government failed to implement the adjusted salary structure and address other welfare concerns. Dem later suspend the strike in February 2026 after government and the unions reach settlement.

The main issue be say non-doctor health professionals want their CONHESS salary structure adjusted in a similar way to the salary reviews wey doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure don receive.

JOHESU maintain say dem don dey push for this adjustment for more than 10 years, while the 2021 technical committee report on the salary review still never fully implemented.

Earlier in January 2026, NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) don also give government 14-day ultimatum over the matter, warning say failure to implement the agreement fit lead to another nationwide industrial action.

Government, however, say dem dey work to resolve the issue. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission dey carry out a job evaluation exercise to determine the proper placement of health professionals and provide basis for salary adjustment.

With this latest warning from NLC, pressure don once again mount on Federal Government to settle the JOHESU salary palava before e turn to another health workers’ strike wey fit affect hospitals and patients across the country.