Health Workers To Go On Indefinite Strike Days Before The Presidential Inauguration

The Assembly of Health Care Professional Association and the Joint Health Sector Unions have declared an indefinite strike.

Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, the national vice president of JOHESU, said that the union would begin an indefinite strike immediately during a news conference on Thursday.

Ogbonna argued that the Federal government's lax response to JOHESU's demands was the cause of the strike.

Recall that in a letter dated May 9, 2023, JOHESU gave the Federal Government a 15-day deadline to comply with its demands.

Announcing the union's decision, Obinna said, "Consequent upon the nonchalant, biased and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council meeting of the JOHESU held on Monday, May 8, 2023, our members in Federal Health Institutions nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw their services indefinitely commencing from 00:00 hour on Thursday, May 25, 2023."

The health unions signatory to the decision to commence strike under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) comprises four (4) affiliate unions: Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA)).

The majority of JOHESU employees work at secondary and tertiary medical and health facilities, making up the largest workforce in Nigeria's health sector.