By Toyin Victor, ABUJA
The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, has warned the Federal Government that unresolved demands by the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, could lead to further action in the health sector.
National Chairman of the Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum, THINCF, Comrade Dr Davidson Akilaiya, gave the charge at the 48th Session of the Forum held at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.
The meeting, themed “Strengthening Trade Unionism: Panacea for Effective Leadership in a Changing Economy,” brought together branch leaders and delegates from tertiary health institutions to deliberate on workers’ welfare, union administration, membership growth and challenges confronting the health sector.
Akilaiya identified knowledge gaps among some branch leaders as a major concern, calling for continuous training on the MHWUN Constitution, workers’ rights, trade union principles, elections, membership recruitment and effective engagement with management.
He also urged State Councils and branch executives to respect due process in elections, membership matters and dispute resolution, while intensifying membership drives and using social media responsibly to protect the unity and image of the union.
Also speaking, MHWUN National President, Comrade Dr Kabiru Ado Sani Minjibir, commended members for their solidarity during the 84-day Joint Health Sector Unions strike which began on November 15, 2025, saying the action demonstrated the determination and unity of health workers.
Minjibir, however, said the Consolidated Health Salary Structure adjustment and some other collective bargaining agreements remained unresolved, disclosing that the Joint Health Sector Unions would in the coming weeks convene meetings of its organs, including an expanded National Executive Council meeting, to review the situation and determine further action.
He called on the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Health and Finance, as well as other stakeholders, to resolve the outstanding demands before the planned meeting, warning that another disruption of health services would come at a time when healthcare workers are urgently needed.
The MHWUN President also raised concerns over inflation, brain drain, insecurity, poor healthcare facilities and the worsening welfare of health workers, urging government to address the conditions contributing to the migration of skilled professionals.
The four-day Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum meeting is expected to produce resolutions on strengthening trade union leadership, improving workers’ welfare, expanding membership and addressing challenges confronting tertiary health institutions across the country.