FEDERAL WORKERS FORUM IN SOLIDARITY WITH JOHESU, NLC AND TUC; WE IN TOTAL SUPPORT OF THE 14 DAYS ULTIMATUM BY THE NLC/TUC

The Federal Workers Forum unequivocally declares her full support for the ongoing strike action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as well as the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the Federal Ministry of Health and by extension the federal government of Nigeria.

The lingering and clearly deliberate failure of the Federal Government to address the legitimate demands and welfare concerns of health sector workers is not only deeply painful but also exposes a cruel and insensitive disposition towards the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Every day, countless citizens lose their lives in public hospitals due to the government’s persistent neglect, policy somersaults, and deafening silence in the face of workers’ demands. This situation is unacceptable and condemnable.

Health workers are the backbone of any functional healthcare system. When their welfare is ignored, hospitals are reduced from centres of healing and recovery to centres of avoidable deaths. The present state of Nigeria’s health institutions is a direct consequence of the government’s nonchalant and irresponsible attitude towards workers’ welfare and healthcare funding.

The intervention of the two labour centres is long overdue. However, we commend the courage and resolve demonstrated by the NLC and TUC at this critical moment. We strongly call for a total and sustained shutdown of activities if necessary, as a means of compelling the current administration to immediately engage with the unions, meet the demands o f the striking health sector workers, and take urgent steps to rescue the collapsing health sector.

The Federal Workers Forum insists that the government must act swiftly and decisively to resolve this crisis. Nigerians deserve functional hospitals, motivated health workers, and a healthcare system that prioritizes life over profit and political indifference. Anything short of this is a betrayal of the people.

It is unbelievable that the strike would last this long. Definitely, no responsible government that truly values human lives would allow the health sector strike persist this long . It apppears our government don’t seem to care.The FWF had earlier called for solidarity protest in support of JOHESU and that the NLC/TUC should declare a national action in support of the striking health sector workers. We appreciate the two labour centers for listening to the voice of reason and we urge them to make it real. This should not be an empty threat. The Nigerian people have suffered enough and many more people have died within this strike period as a result of not being able to access proper health care.

We the federal workers are fully ready for the strikes and protest and we urge the NLC/TUC to call for further solidarity matches from civil society organizations. We advice the federal government to immediately meet up with the demands of the striking health sector workers, we equally call on all the federal workers except for those on essential duties to get ready for total shutdown if government continues to be adamant.

In solidarity ,
Comrade Andrew Emelieze

National Coordinator (FWF)
Former TUC Chairman Oyo State

Comrade Ogundele Ayo
General Secretary (FWF)