The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has announced a sweeping, nationwide escalation of its ongoing strike action, unveiling a comprehensive plan that includes total service shutdown across all levels of the health system, enhanced media engagement, and peaceful picketing of key government ministries.

This was contained in a strongly worded statement by the National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, who said the union was left with “no option but to activate full mobilization” following the government’s refusal to implement the union’s single, 12-year-old demand.

JOHESU has directed all State Councils of the union to immediately begin mobilising members across state and local government facilities to join the strike.

Minjibir stated: “A total, coordinated shutdown of services nationwide will send a strong and unmistakable message to the government about the seriousness of this struggle and the urgency of our one-point demand.”

According to him, activating the lower tiers of the health system will ensure that the strike is not only felt at federal institutions but at the community level where millions depend on JOHESU members for care.

The JOHESU Chairman disclosed that private hospitals and diagnostic centres have also been notified and may be called upon to join the action if government continues to delay.

He warned that the era of sabotage is over: “Regulatory councils will be fully carried along to sanction any erring professionals or private facilities who undermine this collective effort. The future of our professions is at stake.”

Minjibir condemned what he described as a long-standing injustice against JOHESU members.

He explained that while medics within the same ministry have enjoyed three salary and adjustment reviews in 12 years, JOHESU’s own single request has been ignored.

“We must make Nigerians understand that this is not a new demand. This is a 12-year-old issue. Government has reviewed medics’ remuneration three times while completely abandoning ours. This level of discrimination must end.”

A major part of the escalation plan is a coordinated media engagement strategy. According to Minjibir, the union will intensify visibility on radio, TV, newspapers, and through social media influencers.

“We will whip up public awareness and sentiment. Nigerians must understand the injustice we have endured and the urgent need for reform in the health sector to meet international best practices.”

JOHESU also announced that it is preparing for peaceful picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Finance, describing it as a necessary step to “further drive home our demands” and capture national attention.

Minjibir noted that these actions will be executed peacefully but firmly, adding that the union will not allow the government to push them into reactive mode.

Speaking further, the JOHESU Chairman cautioned against waiting for government intimidation tactics, including threats of no work, no pay, compulsory attendance registers, or court injunctions engineered through third parties.

“We cannot wait for government to open clock-in registers or get an NGO to secure an injunction before we act. Desperate times require strong, proactive measures.”

He stressed that with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspending its strike, JOHESU must be more vigilant to avoid pressure on its members from hospital management.

Minjibir acknowledged the economic hardship across the country, noting that this makes JOHESU members more vulnerable to pressure to resume work prematurely.

“This is not the time to rely on unit branch leaders alone. The hardship in the country means management tactics may weaken some members. We must adopt stronger collective strategies. We cannot afford to come back empty-handed.”

The union reiterated that the strike will continue and intensify until the government fulfills its long overdue commitment.