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Tag: JOHESU

  • JOHESU kicks over new national industrial relations policy

    JOHESU kicks over new national industrial relations policy

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has said that the National Industrial Relations Policy recently announced by the Federal Government negates workers’ rights.

    The union made its position known in a statement jointly signed by Mr Ado Minjibir and Mr Martins Egbanubi, JOHESU National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.

    The union was reacting to a statement credited to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held July, 31 on the new National Industrial Relations Policy in Nigeria.

    The union posited that the government’s position on the policy negates fundamental right of workers to freedom of association and to embark on lawful  strike

    According to the union, the rights are guaranteed under the International Labour Organisation Convention 87 adopted in 1948 of which Nigeria is a signatory and had since been domesticated.

    “JOHESU is particularly worried that, the policy is targeted on workers and their trade union organisations.

    “It is rather unfortunate that, the organised labour is serially been blackmailed by the ruling class as being responsible for industrial actions,” the union said.

    JOHESU noted that while it is not averse to having a robust National Industrial Relations Policy, it must, however, be subjected to further tripartite partners’ scrutiny and inputs.

    The union, therefore, urged government to activate and strengthen the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) for effective and sustainable tripartite engagements.

    Such engagement, according to the union, will ensure best practices in labour administration and adherence to international labour standards and extant labour laws in Nigeria.

  • TUC, JOHESU dismiss crisis claims at Fed Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital

    TUC, JOHESU dismiss crisis claims at Fed Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba branch, on Monday said that there was no leadership crisis at the hospital.

    Mr Ekundayo Olugbenga, state Chairman of the TUC said this during a press conference to intimate the public and the media on happenings at the hospital.

    Olugbenga represented by Adegoke Monsuru, member, state administrative council, described the allegations of leadership crisis at the hospital as false and a ‘’calculated attempt to disrupt its stability and manipulate leadership succession for personal interest.”

    He accused the state branches of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FNPHY branch, of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign.

    According to him, the campaign by the state branch of the NMA and the MDCAN is to destabilise the institution and discredit the Acting Medical Director, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye.

    ”There is no crisis in FNPHY. What we see is a clear attempt by NMA and MDCAN to dominate leadership through pressure and propaganda.

    ”The same group opposed the implementation of the pharmacy consultancy cadre approved at the national level; a reform which Owoeye courageously executed.’’

    Similarly, JOHESU in a joint statement by the leadership of SSAUTHRIAI, MHWUN, NUAHP and JOHESU FNPHY branch reaffirmed their total confidence in Owoeye’s leadership.

    While citing his transparent administration and unmatched dedication to staff development and welfare, they noted that he had consistently demonstrated a leadership style that was inclusive, people-focused, and fair to all professional groups.

    ”His administration has delivered impactful welfare policies that benefit every cadre of staff,’’ they said.

    They described attempts to link any delay in the welfare of staff to the medical director as misleading, unfair, and designed to misinform the public.

    They called on all stakeholders to prioritise patients’ care, ensure professionalism, unity, and institutional stability rather than engage in divisive politics.

    “FNPHY belongs to every healthcare professional. No association has the monopoly to dictate leadership.

    ”We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Presidency to ignore these politically motivated distractions and support the ongoing transformation at the hospital,’’ the added.

  • Davido announces release of anticipated studio album

    Davido announces release of anticipated studio album

    Nigerian Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to  release his highly anticipated fifth studio album titled “5ive” in March.

    The music star, who  took to his social media platforms to announce the dropping of the album in March  to his fans and music lovers, also hinted  at the album’s thematic richness and creative depth.

    The singer promised his fans that he would continue the artist’s legacy of producing chart-topping hits while exploring fresh musical directions.

    “Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,”he said.

    The genre-defying pioneer has brought his sound to the attention of millions, and with his new album ‘5ive’ coming in March, he truly has the world at his feet,” he wrote.

    According to the singer, afrobeat cannot be brought with his name, as he  expressed his excitement over the project.

    “This album is a reflection of my journey—where I have  been and where I am going. ‘Funds’ is just the beginning of what I believe will be a special project for my fans and African music”.

    5ive marks Davido’s return after the immense success of his previous albums ‘A Better Time’ released in 2020 and ‘Timeless’ released in 2023.

    Both songs  solidified his position as a global ambassador of Afrobeats and it is poised to dominate charts and streaming platforms upon release of the ‘5ive’.

    The singer had continued to prove that his influence in shaping the global afrobeats narrative is unmatched.

  • Health workers declare 7 days nationwide warning strike

    Health workers declare 7 days nationwide warning strike

    Health workers under the auspices Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared seven days nationwide warning strike commencing from midnight of Oct. 25.

    The National President, JOHESU, Kabiru Minjibir, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the end of the unions’ expanded National Executive Council (NEC) hybrid meeting in Abuja on Friday.

    Minjibir regretted that, thus far, the unions were yet to get any positive response from the federal government on some of the critical issues raised in-spite of repeated assurances during meetings with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “If at the end of the seven days warning strike, the federal government fails to meet our demands, JOHESU have no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike action.

    “Nigerians should note that, this action would have been avoided if the federal government had, within the window of the 15-day notice of strike or ultimatum, responded by utilising all options available in the relevant provisions of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to apprehend this dispute of right.

    “JOHESU is always committed to the use of the instrumentality of social dialogue to resolve matters affecting the welfare and working conditions of members.

    ”We shall, therefore, keep all our channels of communication open during this period,” he said.

    It would be recalled that the unions had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government on Oct. 10, 2024, to address the issues or risk total shut down of its operations in hospitals nationwide.

    The workers were demanding the immediate implementation of CONHESS adjustment, immediate payment of 25 per cent CONHESS Review arrears (June – Dec., 2023), and Immediate payment of nine (9) months’ (Jan – Sept. 2024) salary to workers of Regulatory Agencies.

    Other demands are the immediate restoration of funding to Environmental Health Regulatory Council, immediate reconstitution of Boards/Governing Councils of Federal Health Institutions.

    They are also demanding the commencement of the process to upward review of retirement age of health workers through Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to the Federal Executive Council.

    Other issues under contention included tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, immediate payment of COVID 19 inducement hazard allowances to omitted health workers.

    They are also demanding immediate suspension of planned establishment and activities of National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA).

    Also, JOHESU is demanding the withdrawal of the unlawful Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as the full implementation of approved entry point, call duty and other allowances for holders of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D).

    Members of JOHESU affiliate Unions are from the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).

    Others are Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

  • Just In: Fresh headache for FG as JOHESU gives 15-day deadline to embark on strike

    Just In: Fresh headache for FG as JOHESU gives 15-day deadline to embark on strike

    Fresh headache for Federal Government as public health care workers under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address all lingering issues with the union or risks another round of industrial action.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a statement jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary of the union, noted that the Federal Government has not been able to address their demands since June last year when they suspended their strike, owing to promises from President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

    The statement highlighted the union’s demands to include non-payment of covid-19 hazard allowance to members, the demand for tax waiver on health care workers’ allowances, and call for the immediate suspension of the plans to establish an agency that regulates the activities in national health facilities.

    JOHESU embarked on strike between May 19, 2023 and June 6, 2023 last year, a two-week period that almost crippled health care services in public hospitals. The strike was called off following Tinubu’s promise to intervene.

    Details shortly…

  • JOHESU condemns prolonged abduction of doctor

    JOHESU condemns prolonged abduction of doctor

    The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA) has denounced the prolonged kidnapping of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.

    In a statement signed by National Chairman Kabir Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU/AHPA expressed outrage over the incident, which occurred on Dec. 27, 2023.

    The union highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers across the country, emphasising that the persistent kidnappings undermined healthcare delivery to citizens.

    JOHESU/AHPA described the trend as “dangerous” and urged emergency action from security agencies.

    The union expressed solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on their seven-day nationwide warning strike, which commenced on August 26, in response to the kidnapping of their colleague.

    JOHESU/AHPA called on the Federal Government and state authorities to mobilise security agencies to secure the release of Dr Popoola and other kidnapped victims.

    Furthermore, the union urged President Bola Tinubu to implement advanced security measures to combat the rising threats of kidnapping, banditry, and organised crimes in Nigeria.(

  • FG to review agreement with JOHESU

    FG to review agreement with JOHESU

    The Federal Government is to review the agreement it entered into with the  Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, (JOHESU).

    Mr Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment said this when he received members of JOHESU led by Mr Olumide Akintayo, in his office on Thursday in Abuja.

    “I want to assure JOHESU that the ministry would do the needful, and deploy every necessary effort to see to the amicable and satisfactory resolution of the issues,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Olumide Akintayo, leader of the team, said they were in the ministry to formally congratulate the minister.

    Akintayo also said the visit was to solicit the minister’s understanding and support towards actualising the implementation of several agreements reached between them and the federal government.

    He, however, noted that one of the major
    issues was that of salary adjustment for health workers under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) which had not been implemented since it was approved.

    He urged the minister, as the Chief Conciliator, to invoke immediate action by the Presidential Committee on Salaries, which has the power to push for its implementation.

    He assured the minister that JOHESU was not interested in using strikes to achieve its aims but would rather explore the processes of negotiation to maintain industrial harmony.

    On Sept. 8, 2021, former minister of labour, Chris Ngige after a meeting with JOHESU said both sides reached an understanding on all the issues in dispute, adding that matters discussed included the hazard allowance, review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years, and arrears relating to the adjustment on the new national minimum wage.

    He added that an understanding was also reached on the upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), as done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

    “Based on previous discussion, we delivered to them (JOHESU) the financial implication of what is due to them and they promised to get back to their members and report back to us,” the Minister said.

    JOHESU had demanded immediate payment of omissions and shortfalls in the COVID-19 hazard allowances of affected health workers in federal health institutions.

    They also sought recognition of health workers in non-core hospital facilities in payment of the hazard allowance.

    They demanded speedy implementation of increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years, and 70 years for consultants in the health professions.

  • We’re optimistic Tinubu will meet our demands – JOHESU

    We’re optimistic Tinubu will meet our demands – JOHESU

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu Administration would meet its demand in improving the welfare of its members with the present economic realities.

    One of the executives of JOHESU in Oyo State, Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, gave the assurance in an interview with NAN in Ibadan on Monday.

    Olabampe, who also is the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Oyo State, said the amalgamated union of health workers had reached an agreement with the Federal Government over their issue.

    He said that this gave them the benefit of the doubt that the new government would make good on their promises.

    He said that was why it suspended its strike for 21 days, to enable the government work on the agreement, after which the union would review the situation and determine the next line of action.

    “Meanwhile, we are seeing signs that they are serious about their promises. We are seeing progress,” he said.

    He, however, lamented how the Oyo State Government had handled issues relating to their members at the state level.

    “Our demands are different. While we have had a meeting with the Federal Government, it depends on various states because the demands of one state differ from another.

    “For example, Osun has implemented the new hazard allowance, but Oyo State has not.

    “So, each state will look at their peculiarity and their demands, have they been met? That will determine when their strike will end,” Olabampe said.

    He noted that the government of Oyo State did not take the union seriously at first at the Hospital Management Board level

    “And because of that the strike continues. And because of that, the board has called for a negotiation which will be held Tuesday, June 13.

    “After the meeting, we will know if the union will suspend its strike at the state level or if it will continue.”

  • Health workers suspend 12-day strike

    Health workers suspend 12-day strike

    Health workers’ union under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 12-day-old strike.

    Mr Obinna Ogbonna, JOHESU National Vice President said this on Monday to newsmen.

    Ogbonna said the strike had been suspended due to the progress made during the engagement with President Bola Tinubu.

    He said the health workers called a meeting shortly after meeting with the president and decided to call off the strike and gave a 21-day timeline to the government

    “We met with President Tinubu at the villa and he pleaded with the striking health workers to give him the benefit of the doubt.

    “The president says that he will resolve the matters amicably to our own benefit and positive results,” Ogbonna said.

    According to him, the congress considered his plea and also said we should give a 21-day timeline to assess progress and commitment of state actors in resolving the issues.

    JOHESU is the umbrella body of health workers’ unions and associations, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and Senior Staff Association of Universities’ Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions.

    The unions’ demands include immediate approval and implementation of the Technical Committee Report on CONHESS adjustment by the federal government; immediate payment of the omission and shortfall in the COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances of affected health workers in the federal health institutions and recognition of health workers in non-core hospital facilities in the payment of new hazard allowances and payment and inculcation of peculiar allowances to health workers under the JOHESU/AHPA.

    Others are immediate and unconditional implementation of the Pharmacist Consultant cadre; unconditional payment of all withheld salaries of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH and April and May 2018 salaries of members at National Obstetric, Fistula centre, NOFIC, Azare, Bauchi State and speedy implementation of the increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for consultants in the health professions.

    The leadership of JOHESU had in a letter dated May 9, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over alleged inconsistencies of the government in the ongoing negotiations to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers on their platforms.

  • Why peace will not be in Nigeria’s health sector – Health workers open up, begin indefinite strike

    Why peace will not be in Nigeria’s health sector – Health workers open up, begin indefinite strike

    The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike, beginning from Thursday, 25 May.

    The National Vice President of JOHESU, Mr Obinna Ogbonna, made this known at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said the union had, in a letter dated 9 May, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over the government inconsistencies in the ongoing negotiations to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers.

    He said the ultimatum commenced on May 10 and would expire at midnight on Thursday, 25 May.

    “The strike is consequent upon the nonchalant, biased, and lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council meeting of the JOHESU held on May 8,” he said.

    “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,’’ he said.

    Health workers in OAUTHC join indefinite strike

    Meanwhile, health workers at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), have joined their colleagues at Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association (AHPA) in their indefinite strike nationwide.

    Comrade Abdullateef Adeyeni, the Chairman, Joint Action Committee of Union OAUTHC, made this known during an interview on Thursday in Ile-Ife.

    Adeyeni, who doubles as Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Universities’ Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SAUTHRIAI), said that the staff has been directed to stay away from work until they are called back to work.

    The Chairman added that the strike embarked upon were authorised by the executive members of the unions. It was called because the federal government failed to meet their demands since 2009.

    “Since 2009, two salary tables were created by the Federal Government, one for doctors and the other one for health workers; that of the doctors has been reviewed four times while our remains untouched.

    “We pleaded with the present administration severally to consider the inflation and the value of the Naira, but all our efforts to review our salary structure proved abortive.

    “Surprisingly, two weeks ago, the doctors said they needed another review, their fourth, and hurriedly, the government called them back, whereas they said that there was no money for us, but there’s money for doctors,” he said.

    The Chairman explained that until fairness, justice, and equity are done, there cannot be peace in the health sector.

    Adeyeni said that recently, the Federal Government approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance for all Federal workers, excluding health personnel.

    According to him, union is demanding for immediate payment of the omission and shortfall in the COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances of affected health workers in the federal health institutions.

    Others include recognition of health workers in non-core hospital facilities in the payment of new hazard allowances and payment and inculcation of peculiar allowances to health workers under the JOHESU/AHPA.

    He called for a speedy implementation of the increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for consultants in the health professions.