THINCF Holds 48th Session in Abuja, Chair Decries Knowledge Gap as MHWUN President Warns FG

Gwagwalada — The Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum, THINCF, on Sunday commenced its 48th Regular Meeting at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, with calls for stronger trade unionism and strict adherence to the union constitution.

In his welcome address, the National Chairman of THINCF said the forum remains critical for consultation and collective action on welfare issues affecting workers in tertiary health institutions.

He decried knowledge gap among some branch leaders on the union constitution, branch administration and workers' rights, and urged State Councils and the national leadership to intensify training and orientation for branch executives.

He appealed to the national leadership to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provision for two regular THINCF meetings annually, noting that consistency would strengthen institutional memory and coordination.

He also charged State Councils to follow due process in handling branch elections and disputes, and urged branch leaders to embark on aggressive membership drive.

On social media, he cautioned members against insults, personal attacks and unverified information, urging that platforms should unite rather than divide the union.

Also speaking, the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Comrade (Dr) Kabiru Ado Sani Minjibir, charged branch chairmen and secretaries to track implementation of collective bargaining agreements, ensure proper remittance of check-off dues and defend members against injustice.

He described the theme, "Strengthening Trade Unionism: Panacea for Effective Leadership in a Changing Economy" as timely, citing inflation, brain drain and rising workload.

Minjibir commended members for their resilience during the 84-day JOHESU strike that began on November 15, 2025, saying it demonstrated discipline and unity.

He disclosed that while CONHESS salary adjustment and other agreements were yet to be fully resolved, progress made after the strike surpassed achievements of the past decade, with CBA negotiations resuming.

He announced that JOHESU would convene meetings of its organs, including an expanded NEC, in a few weeks to take resolute action, and called on the Ministries of Labour, Health, Finance and other stakeholders to perfect JOHESU's flagship demands to avoid disruption of health services.

He assured members facing membership retention challenges that the national leadership was working with THINCF leadership to sustain JOHESU unity.