The Rivers State Council of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has announced that it will not join the nationwide strike declared by its national body over the delayed implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), originally scheduled to start on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Chairman Otaraku Jonathan-Oye stated that the council’s decision was in recognition of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval of:

• Payment of the adjusted Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors and CONHESS for other health workers, including outstanding arrears.
• Immediate implementation of residency grants and skipping allowances for medical doctors.
• Accoutrement allowances for other health workers.

Despite the decision, Jonathan-Oye appealed to Governor Fubara to address other pending welfare issues, such as:

• Newly approved retirement age of 65 for health workers
• Payment of CONHESS review arrears
• Settlement of hazard allowance arrears
• Harmonization of salaries for local government health workers with their state-level counterparts

The Rivers Council’s move reflects a cautious approach, recognizing the government’s recent actions while urging further reforms to safeguard health workers’ welfare.