The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have suspended their planned picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who has constituted a high-level committee to address the unions’ demands.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by JOHESU President, Kabiru Minjibir, during a conversation with our correspondent.

Earlier, the National Secretary of JOHESU, Martin Egbanubi, had indicated that the unions were set to picket the ministry to press for the implementation of their demands.

JOHESU, alongside the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations, had commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and address other welfare and systemic issues affecting health workers.

The suspension of the picketing marks a temporary easing of the industrial action as stakeholders await the outcome of the committee’s deliberations.

Minjibir said the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) met with President Tinubu on Tuesday night, during which JOHESU’s concerns were formally presented.

Although the meeting involved the NLC leadership, he noted that JOHESU’s demands—particularly the adjustment of CONHESS—featured prominently in the discussions. Following the meeting, the President set up a committee led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

The committee also includes Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. It has been mandated to engage labour leaders and report its findings to the President.

“The President met with the leadership of the NLC last night, and we tabled the issue of JOHESU before him. He subsequently set up a committee to meet with labour, resolve all outstanding issues and report back to him,” Minjibir said.

He added that a meeting between the committee and labour representatives was scheduled for 9am on Wednesday to continue discussions, particularly on the long-standing demand for CONHESS adjustment.

“In view of the ongoing talks, JOHESU has decided to temporarily suspend its planned picketing exercise. We have put the picketing on hold to allow the discussions to run their course,” he said. 

When asked if the union was hopeful that the committee would resolve its demands, the JOHESU president expressed cautious optimism.

“Yes, we are hopeful, especially on the issue of CONHESS adjustment, but it will depend on the outcome of the committee’s meeting,” Minjibir said.