The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has urged the Federal Government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) immediately. They warned stakeholders against pursuing salary parity claims that could mislead the public.
In a statement signed by JOHESU Chairman Comrade Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Comrade Martin Egbanubi, the union criticized the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). JOHESU described their claims on salary relativity as misinformation and discriminatory.
The union highlighted that the 2014 CONMESS adjustment was selective. They stressed that collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) take precedence over memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Therefore, the Federal Ministry of Health must act to correct long-standing salary injustices.
JOHESU issued a final 14-day ultimatum to the government and warned of nationwide worker mobilization if ignored. Meanwhile, NAMDA and NMA criticized the Labour Centres for issuing the ultimatum without consulting them. JOHESU dismissed their objections as arrogant and uninformed.
The union revealed that non-physician directors earn almost as much as CONMESS level 4 doctors after six years. Chief consultants earn about 135% of Grade Level 17 officers. This, JOHESU argued, exposes exaggerations in parity claims.
Finally, JOHESU emphasized that the salary dispute was nearing resolution in December 2025. They vowed to lead efforts with partners to redress decades of inequality.
