By Chioma Obinna
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, has raised alarm over the paralysis of federal health institutions across the country, describing the ongoing JOHESU/AHPA strike as “a national health emergency that must not be allowed to linger.”
Tanko made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where he led a delegation of PSN leaders and past presidents.
“All 73 Federal Health Institutions are shut down”
Speaking candidly, Tanko declared, “We are deeply worried because all 73 Federal Health Institutions and several non-hospital facilities have been completely paralysed in the last four days. The impact is debilitating and threatens the stability of our health system.”
He explained that members of JOHESU/AHPA who account for 85 per cent of Nigeria’s health workforce commenced an indefinite strike on November 15 after a 15-day ultimatum expired.
“Their agitation is hinged on a twelve-year recurring demand for the adjustment of CONHESS salaries, just as was done for CONMESS in 2014, 2017, and 2018,” he said.
Tanko noted that this same controversy has triggered national strikes in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025, calling the repeated disruptions unacceptable.
“We are ready to help the Federal Government find a solution”
The PSN President reminded the SGF that the National Salaries and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had since 2022 recommended payment of the outstanding CONHESS adjustment.
“The report has been with the Budget Office for some time. We believe the time has come for decisive action,” he said.
Commending recent efforts by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the PSN President urged the government to build on the momentum:
“We strongly recommend that the remarkable progress made in the last 24 hours be sustained. Once due process is activated, the responsible leadership of JOHESU will respond positively.”
He added that the PSN is willing to support mediation efforts: “We wish to offer a helping hand to the Federal Government in resolving this impasse as quickly as possible.”
Speaking on their upcoming milestones, Tanko informed the SGF about the Society’s preparations for its Centenary Celebration on March 26, 2027.
“The PSN, founded in 1927, is Nigeria’s oldest professional body. In 2027, we will be one hundred years old, and we intend to celebrate that legacy with a befitting programme in Abuja,” he said.
He reeled plans for the centenary to include: Health outreaches, public enlightenment campaigns, a series of public lectures, high-level engagements with policy makers, and activities to expand Good Pharmacy Practice nationwide.
Tanko also announced the incoming launch of a ₦5 billion Endowment Levy: “This endowment will be dedicated to promoting pharmacy education and supporting research as we push the profession into new global frontiers.”
He emphasised that the SGF would play an important role in several of the planned activities: “Your Excellency will be central to key components of the celebration, and today’s engagement effectively puts you on notice. PSN will continue to collaborate maximally with government”
He further reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to national development.
“We assure Your Excellency that the PSN will continue to collaborate maximally with the Federal Government,” he said.
The PSN team urged the Federal Government to take swift steps to address the crisis shaking the nation’s health sector.
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