Federal Hospital Chief Medical Directors Appeal for Calm as JOHESU Strike Continues, NARD Threatens Fresh Action

The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria has called for renewed dialogue in the health sector following the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the planned resumption of industrial action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD had recently announced its intention to resume a previously suspended strike from January 12, 2026, raising concerns about a potential shutdown of services in federal tertiary health institutions across the country.

At its 112th Regular Meeting and Annual General Meeting held at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, the Committee warned that continued labour unrest could severely undermine healthcare delivery, especially for patients who rely on tertiary hospitals for specialised and life-saving treatment.

The Committee, which represents the chief executive officers of federal teaching hospitals and specialist medical centres, acknowledged the legitimate welfare demands of health workers but stressed that industrial actions often have irreversible consequences for patients.

The Committee noted that While negotiations are a vital part of labour relations, no contingency arrangement can fully replace the collective expertise of the healthcare workforce,.

The statement Signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Saad Ahmed and Secretary, Dr. Ppokop Bupwatfa urged JOHESU to consider suspending its ongoing strike in the interest of patients and national stability, and appealed to NARD to shelve its planned action to allow ongoing engagements with relevant authorities to yield results.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at fostering industrial harmony and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through sustained dialogue and mutual understanding.