The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, has raised alarm over the paralysis of federal health institutions across the country, describing the ongoing JOHESU/AHPA strike as “a national health emergency that must not be allowed to linger.”
Tanko made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where he led a delegation of PSN leaders and past presidents. “All 73 Federal Health Institutions are shut down” Speaking candidly, Tanko declared, “We are deeply worried because all 73 Federal Health Institutions and several non-hospital facilities have been completely paralysed in the last four days. The impact is debilitating and threatens the stability of our health system.”
He explained that members of JOHESU/AHPA who account for 85 per cent of Nigeria’s health workforce commenced an indefinite strike on November 15 after a 15-day ultimatum expired. “Their agitation is hinged on a twelve-year recurring demand for the adjustment of CONHESS salaries, just as was done for CONMESS in 2014, 2017, and 2018,” he said.
Tanko noted that this same controversy has triggered national strikes in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025, calling the repeated disruptions unacceptable. “We are ready to help the Federal Government find a solution” The PSN President reminded the SGF that the National Salaries and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had since 2022 recommended payment of the outstanding CONHESS adjustment.
“The report has been with the Budget Office for some time. We believe the time has come for decisive action,” he said. Commending recent efforts by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the PSN President urged the government to build on the momentum: “We strongly recommend that the remarkable progress made in the last 24 hours be sustained. Once due process is activated, the responsible leadership of JOHESU will respond positively.”
He added that the PSN is willing to support mediation efforts: “We wish to offer a helping hand to the Federal Government in resolving this impasse as quickly as possible.” Speaking on their upcoming milestones, Tanko informed the SGF about the Society’s preparations for its Centenary Celebration on March 26, 2027.