Posted on: Sat 26-07-2025

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within Nigeria’s health sector, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have issued a fiery warning to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA): “We will not be intimidated!”

This bold declaration comes in response to what JOHESU describes as “unwarranted threats, sabotage, and systemic bullying” by the NMA—an organization it claims represents less than 5% of the health workforce but wields disproportionate influence.

“It is unacceptable for the NMA to dominate the sector and undermine agreements reached in good faith,” said JOHESU Chairman, Martin Egbanubi, and National Secretary, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, in a joint statement.

JOHESU accused the NMA of:

• Issuing a 21-day strike ultimatum to pressure the government into reversing circulars that benefit JOHESU members.
• Opposing the appointment of non-physicians—like pharmacists and optometrists—as hospital consultants.
• Attempting to restrict retirement age extensions to only medical and dental consultants, despite a signed MoU that includes all health professionals.

The union also slammed the Federal Ministry of Health for allegedly favoring the NMA in key committees, calling it a “misrepresentation of the majority workforce.”

“We will deploy all lawful means to defend our members’ rights and uphold the sanctity of agreements,” the statement warned.

JOHESU is now calling on the Minister of Labour and Employment to intervene and prevent a full-blown industrial crisis. Members have been placed on high alert for what the union calls “legitimate resistance.”

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