Abuja: The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have announced the suspension of their 7-day warning strike, effective from midnight on Thursday, 31st of October. This development comes after a series of meetings between the unions and government officials, aimed at addressing the unions’ concerns.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the decision to suspend the strike was detailed in a communique signed by JOHESU National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, and AHPA National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi. The suspension follows an emergency virtual meeting of the Expanded National Executive Council of both bodies on Thursday, where the unions acknowledged the government’s efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue with the workers.
The communique highlighted the outcomes of a conciliation meeting held on Tuesday, 29th October 2024, between the JOHESU/AHPA National Team and the Federal Government Team at the Minister’s Conference Room in the Federal Ministry of
Labour and Employment, Abuja. Additionally, it referenced discussions with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Expanded National Executive Council critically assessed the reports and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the conciliation meeting and resolved to suspend the strike, which had already lasted six days. The decision was made in the interest of the nation, with a six-week timeline given to the Federal Government to fulfill all obligations outlined in the MoU.
With the suspension of the strike, members of the unions are expected to return to their duties fully on Friday, 1st November 2024.