Health sector unions under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have announced plans to stage a nationwide protest in Abuja over the proposed Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 currently before the National Assembly.
The protest, scheduled for Thursday, March 26, is expected to attract healthcare professionals from across the country, with participants gathering at the Unity Fountain before proceeding to the National Assembly Complex.
In an official notice, JOHESU directed its affiliate unions and professional bodies to mobilise members in large numbers, warning that the proposed legislation could have significant consequences for healthcare workers and the sector as a whole.
Speaking on the planned demonstration, JOHESU National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, said the protest aims to raise awareness about the potential impact of the bills.
“Our members must educate the general public on how the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 affect their respective professions in particular and the health sector in general,” Egbanubi said.
He described the protest as a crucial moment for healthcare professionals, calling for full participation.
“Your participation in this historic existential struggle is highly solicited and essential,” he added.
According to the unions, the bills, which have already passed first reading in the Senate, have triggered concerns among health workers who fear they could reshape existing structures, redefine professional roles, and affect welfare conditions within the sector.
JOHESU, which includes groups such as the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, has a long history of engaging the Federal Government on issues relating to salaries, hazard allowances, and professional equity within the healthcare system.
Nigeria’s health sector has faced persistent challenges over the years, often marked by strikes and service disruptions that impact millions of citizens. These disputes are frequently driven by concerns over poor welfare, inadequate funding, governance issues, and perceived imbalance among professional groups.
The introduction of the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 comes at a time when the system is already under pressure from workforce shortages, migration of healthcare professionals, and weak infrastructure.
What you should know
Health workers in Nigeria are planning a nationwide protest against proposed health sector bills they believe could negatively affect their roles and welfare.
JOHESU and allied groups are mobilising members to draw attention to concerns about structural changes in the system. The protest reflects longstanding tensions within the healthcare sector, including disputes over pay, recognition, and policy decisions.
With ongoing brain drain and infrastructure challenges, the bills have added to fears about the future of Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
