The Edo State Ministry of Labour and Productivity has successfully averted a potential health sector crisis by securing the suspension of a planned industrial action by the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).
The resolution came after a high-level meeting convened on Thursday, October 16, 2025, between the ministry’s leadership and the state executives of MHWUN at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health in Benin City.
The crucial meeting was called to address the grievances raised by the union and prevent a planned industrial action that could have disrupted health services across Edo State.
During the proceedings, Honourable Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Godwin Eshieshi, reaffirmed “the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to the welfare of workers and the overall stability of the health sector in Edo State.”
He appealed to the union leadership to suspend its proposed strike while he consulted with the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Head of Service, and other key stakeholders to find a lasting resolution through dialogue.
The State Chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Ogbeide O. Osagie, commended the Honourable Commissioner for his prompt intervention, while explaining that “the union had made several efforts to reach out to the government without formal acknowledgment, which led to the contemplation of a strike.”
Comrade Ogbeide detailed the union’s key demands from its September 26, 2025 letter to the Governor, including immediate implementation of the new minimum wage, promotion of eligible health workers, resolution of housing fund deduction irregularities, reversal of the current pension scheme, and inclusion of MHWUN in the Primary Health Care Development Agency.
While acknowledging some matters were under government review, he emphasized the need for a written commitment with clear implementation timelines.
In response, Hon. Eshieshi commended the union’s maturity and constructive approach, emphasizing that “no responsible administration would overlook the health and welfare of its people.”
He assured the union executives of maintaining open communication and providing periodic updates as consultations progressed with other government arms.
Following these assurances and through collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service, the government team successfully persuaded the union to suspend its planned industrial action.
This intervention restored confidence in the government’s responsiveness and reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony.
The meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening mutual trust and promoting sustained industrial peace between the Edo State Government and the health workers’ union, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to both worker welfare and the continuous development of the state’s health sector.
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