THE CAMPAIGN for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has indicted the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing its handling of the nationwide strike by public healthcare workers under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) as “inefficient and anti-masses.”
CDWR accused the Tinubu government of responding with punitive measures rather than negotiation, highlighting that the imposition of a ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, threats of sack, and the securing of a restraining order against the workers on January 9, 2026 of stiffening the resolve of the striking workers.
“The strike has made it impossible for many Nigerians to access medical treatment,” the CDWR stated, drawing a sharp contrast with the political elite who “regularly embark on expensive medical tourism at the expense of public funds.” The statement specifically cited President Tinubu’s travels for medical care as an example of the neglect faced by public healthcare infrastructure.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Rufus Olusesan (National Chairperson) and Comrade Chinedu Bosah (National Publicity Secretary), CDWR alleged that the nationwide strike has brought services at most tertiary hospitals to a standstill for over 60 days, thereby exacerbating a deepening crisis in Nigeria’s health sector.
The industrial action, which commenced on November 14, 2025, continues unabated with no resolution in sight, leaving countless patients without access to critical care.
The strike, now in its 63rd day as of January 16, 2026, was triggered by the federal government’s refusal to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and address chronic issues of poor working conditions and dilapidated facilities.
JOHESU, an umbrella body comprising five major unions including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, represents a broad swath of non-physician healthcare staff.
The health crisis is compounded by unresolved tensions with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which suspended a separate strike in late November 2025 following a Memorandum of Understanding with the government.
NARD had threatened to resume its action earlier this month over unmet demands, including salary review and allowance payments, only stepping back after vice-presidential intervention.
The CDWR expressed scepticism, warning that doctors may still be forced to return to the picket lines.
Calling for immediate government action, the CDWR demanded the that the Federal Government meet JOHESU and NARD’s demands, including adequate funding of the health sector, and the withdrawal of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
It also advocated for the democratic management of hospitals, including elected representatives of workers and communities.
The workers’ rights group also issued a call to action to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), urging them to organise concrete solidarity actions and mass mobilisations in support of the health workers.
