The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have warned that a nationwide industrial action may follow the ongoing strike by health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) if the Federal Ministry of Health fails to address their demands.

In a joint statement signed by the Secretary-General of TUC, Dr. N. A. Toro, and the Acting General Secretary of NLC, Benson Upah, the labour centres accused the federal government of deliberately failing to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted in 2021.

The unions stated that the prolonged delay has gone beyond administrative inefficiency, describing it as an act of injustice and a clear sign of bad faith towards health workers.

They also criticised what they described as unequal treatment within the health sector, noting that while adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented with effect from January 2014, similar action has consistently been denied workers under CONHESS.

According to the statement, this disparity reflects discriminatory policy application and undermines fairness, equity, and industrial harmony in the health sector.

As a result, the TUC and NLC issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment in line with established precedents.

The ultimatum, which took effect on January 23, 2026, warns that failure to comply will result in coordinated nationwide action across both public and private sectors. The proposed actions include mass protests, picketing of government offices and health institutions, and a nationwide withdrawal of services.

The unions further accused the Ministry of Health of remaining unresponsive despite repeated engagements aimed at resolving the dispute, describing the ministry’s conduct as a breach of trust.

They also announced that all affiliates, state councils, and the Federal Capital Territory chapters of both labour centres have been placed on alert and directed to begin mobilisation in preparation for possible nationwide action.

The TUC and NLC urged the government to act within the ultimatum period to prevent a nationwide industrial shutdown.