The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has expressed support for the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that the Federal Government’s failure to address health workers’ demands could lead to a total nationwide shutdown.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Forum endorsed the 14-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing the intervention as long overdue.
The statement was signed by the National Coordinator of the FWF and former TUC Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, and the Forum’s General Secretary, Comrade Ogundele Ayo. The group said the prolonged strike had exposed what it described as the government’s disregard for human lives.
According to the Forum, unresolved labour disputes, poor funding, and inconsistent policies have resulted in daily deaths in public hospitals across the country. It described health workers as central to the survival of the healthcare system and warned that continued neglect of their welfare would further weaken the sector.
The FWF said it fully supports the position of the NLC and TUC and called for a total and sustained shutdown of activities nationwide if the government fails to immediately engage with JOHESU and meet its demands.
The group accused the current administration of indifference, stating that no responsible government would allow a health sector strike to persist for such a long period. It warned that federal workers are prepared to join the strike and participate in mass protests if the government remains unresponsive.
The Forum also urged the NLC and TUC to mobilise civil society organisations for broader nationwide action, while advising the Federal Government to urgently meet the demands of the striking health workers to prevent further escalation.
