FG invokes ‘no work, no pay’ policy against striking health unions
The federal government has directed the enforcement of a ‘no work, no pay’ policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) currently on strike across federal health institutions.
The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Health in a circular dated January 8, 2026, addressed to chief medical directors and medical directors of federal hospitals. The circular was signed by Abisola Adegoke, director of hospital services, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Ali Pate.
According to the ministry, the policy takes effect from January 2026 and applies to all JOHESU members participating in the ongoing industrial action. Hospital heads were instructed to ensure strict compliance with the rule while maintaining the delivery of essential health services.
The circular specifically directed hospital managements to keep critical units such as accident and emergency, labour wards and intensive care units operational, including through the engagement of locum staff where necessary. It also stressed the need to protect patients, hospital assets and non-striking workers.
CMDs and MDs were further instructed to allow employees willing to work to do so without intimidation and to submit regular reports on the impact of the strike on service delivery.
JOHESU commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, citing the federal government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and address other long-standing welfare and systemic concerns affecting health workers.
The union said that although the delayed implementation of the adjusted salary structure was the main trigger, several unresolved issues contributed to the decision to embark on industrial action.
JOHESU comprises several health sector unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
