Health sector unions under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have mobilised members nationwide for a major 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 bring together hundreds of healthcare professionals from across the country in what union leaders describe as a decisive moment for the future of Nigeria’s health sector.
According to an official communication obtained on Thursday morning, JOHESU directed all its affiliate unions and professional associations to mobilise their members en masse for the demonstration.
Participants were instructed to converge at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja, before proceeding to the National Assembly Complex, where they intend to make their grievances known to lawmakers and the Federal Government.
The notice, signed by JOHESU’s National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, emphasised that the protest was not intended to disrupt public peace but to draw national attention to what the unions described as potentially harmful provisions contained in the proposed executive bills. The unions warned that if passed in their current form, the legislation could have far-reaching implications for healthcare professionals, the administration of health institutions, and the overall delivery of healthcare services in Nigeria.
Egbanubi explained that the decision to stage a national protest followed extensive consultations among healthcare stakeholders, including medical laboratory scientists, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals represented under JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations. He noted that many members of the health community believe the bills contain provisions that may undermine professional autonomy, disrupt existing administrative structures, and create imbalances within the healthcare system.
He said the demonstration was necessary to ensure that the voices of healthcare workers are heard before the National Assembly takes a final decision on the proposed laws. According to him, the unions are demanding broader consultation and engagement with stakeholders, insisting that any reform in the health sector must be inclusive, transparent, and beneficial to both healthcare workers and patients.
Union leaders also expressed concern that the proposed legislation could alter the governance structure of federal health institutions, affect career progression for certain healthcare professionals, and introduce policies that may not reflect the realities faced by workers in the sector. They argued that the health sector is too sensitive to be subjected to reforms without adequate input from those who operate within it daily.
As early as Thursday morning, reports indicated that healthcare workers from different parts of the country had begun arriving in Abuja to participate in the protest. Many of them carried placards with inscriptions calling for the withdrawal or amendment of the proposed bills, while others called for dialogue and stakeholder engagement before any legislation is passed.
Security presence was also reportedly increased around the National Assembly Complex and Unity Fountain to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and orderly. Authorities had earlier advised participants to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any actions that could disrupt public order.
Observers say the protest highlights growing tension within Nigeria’s health sector, where unions have repeatedly raised concerns over welfare, working conditions, salary structures, and policy decisions affecting healthcare delivery. Analysts note that the outcome of the protest and the government’s response may determine whether the situation will lead to further industrial action or constructive dialogue.
Healthcare professionals participating in the protest insisted that their action was in the interest of the health sector and the Nigerian public, stressing that policies affecting healthcare delivery must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences that could worsen existing challenges in the system.
As the National Assembly continues deliberations on the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, all eyes are now on lawmakers and the Federal Government to see whether the concerns raised by JOHESU and other healthcare professional bodies will lead to amendments, negotiations, or a prolonged standoff between the government and health workers.
For many Nigerians, the protest represents more than a disagreement over legislation—it reflects the ongoing struggle to reform and strengthen the country’s healthcare system while balancing the interests of professionals, administrators, and the millions of citizens who depend on public health services across the nation.
