The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Professionals have protested what they described as “extremely shabby treatment” meted out to their representatives during a recent tripartite meeting involving some unions and professional associations in the health sector.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy/Chairman, Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) dated October 31, 2025, the union expressed deep dissatisfaction over the conduct of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, during the meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The letter, jointly signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and its National Secretary, Martins Egbanubi, lamented that the union’s delegation was denied the opportunity to make submissions, contrary to earlier agreements.

“Our representatives were treated in an extremely shabby manner at a meeting to which JOHESU was formally invited,” the union said. “Rules of engagement, which should ordinarily promote open ventilation by all parties, were not just neglected but abruptly jeopardized when the Honourable Minister of State for Finance closed the meeting the moment JOHESU attempted to take the floor.”

According to JOHESU, the incident was particularly shocking because at a preceding emergency meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, it had been agreed that each union and association would present its specific outstanding welfare and financial concerns after general issues—particularly payment of arrears relating to CONHESS and CONMESS 25%/35% reviews—had been addressed.

“Despite all entreaties, the Minister of State for Finance blatantly refused to allow JOHESU representatives to make contributions,” the letter stated. “This was contrary to the consensus position reached that all ministries, departments, and agencies relevant to these issues would participate and engage at the next day’s meeting.”

The union also expressed outrage over the financial implications of the trip, noting that its representatives incurred over ₦6 million in travel and logistics, only to be denied the chance to speak.

“For us in JOHESU, it is inconceivable that our delegation incurred over six million naira to attend a meeting where it was not allowed to make contributions and therefore has nothing meaningful to report to its members,” the statement read. “We condemn this action, which is sagaciously despicable within the norms and protocols of participatory democracy and industrial jurisprudence.”

As a result, JOHESU declared that it would no longer participate in any meeting chaired by Dr. Uzoka-Anite. “The national leadership reiterates, with very strong emphasis, that JOHESU shall not attend any meeting chaired by the incumbent Honourable Minister of State for Finance henceforth,” it stated.

Despite the protest, JOHESU used the letter to commend the Finance Minister for what it described as his “leadership and good relationship management” with the union in previous engagements.

“We deeply appreciate your leadership and the cordial engagements we have enjoyed under your watch,” the union noted, adding that it remains committed to constructive dialogue conducted under fair and respectful conditions.