The Edo State Government has reached a resolution with the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Edo State Council, following a week-long warning strike that began on October 17, 2025.
The industrial action, which aimed to press for improved working conditions and welfare packages, was called off after a high-level negotiation meeting held on October 19.
The meeting brought together representatives from the state government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and MHWUN leadership. Key government officials present included Anthony Okungbowa, Head of Service; Godwin Esheishi, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity; and Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health. Labour was represented by Bernard Egwuakhide Joman (NLC), Ogbeide Omon Osagie (MHWUN), and Comrade Oisamaiye Godwin (Joint Negotiating Council).
A communique jointly signed by all parties outlined several resolutions:
Promotion Processing: All pending promotions for staff of the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) will be processed. Training and evaluation for eligible staff will begin on October 21, 2025. The promotion assessments will be decentralized and conducted manually for accessibility.
Salary Review: A joint committee comprising union members and officials from the Accountant-General’s office will develop a framework for implementing the revised National CONHESS salary structure.
Housing Fund Deductions: Monthly deductions for housing contributions will be suspended until the Accountant-General clarifies the status of previously collected funds.
Pension Scheme Reversion: Health workers will be reverted to the previous pension scheme, similar to the arrangement made for teachers, due to concerns over the current system’s suitability.
Board Representation: MHWUN will be formally included on the board of the Edo State PHCDA, aligning with national practices and legal provisions.
Welfare Oversight: Additional welfare concerns raised by the union are under review by the Accountant-General’s office, with follow-up meetings scheduled to ensure progress.
The union had previously issued a 14-day ultimatum on September 26, citing unresolved issues dating back to 2020, including delayed promotions, unpaid wage adjustments, and lack of transparency in housing fund deductions.
The strike was triggered after the government failed to respond adequately to a formal letter sent on September 4, 2025.
With the government now committed to fulfilling the union’s demands, MHWUN has directed all members to resume work immediately. The resolution is seen as a significant win for health workers across Edo State, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and collective bargaining in addressing public sector grievances.