Pharm Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, PSN President
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has warned that the ongoing JOHESU/AHPA strike has effectively crippled federal health institutions nationwide, triggering what it calls a national health emergency. PSN President, Pharm.
Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko issued the warning during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Tanko said all 73 federal health institutions have been shut down for four days, with services halted across multiple non-hospital facilities. He stressed that JOHESU/AHPA members, representing 85% of the health workforce, downed tools on November 15 after a 15-day ultimatum lapsed.
He explained that the dispute centres on a 12-year demand for the adjustment of CONHESS salaries, similar to previous upward reviews for CONMESS in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The unresolved issue, he noted, has repeatedly resulted in nationwide strikes over the last decade.
Tanko reminded the SGF that the National Salaries and Wages Commission recommended payment of the outstanding adjustment in 2022, yet the report remains stalled. He urged the government to act decisively and sustain the recent progress driven by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
He said PSN is ready to support mediation and highlighted the Society’s plans for its 2027 centenary, including a ₦5 billion endowment to bolster pharmacy education and research.
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