The Federal Government has directed the enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy on 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 addressed to chief medical directors (CMDs) and medical directors (MDs) of government-owned hospitals. The document, dated January 8, 2026, was signed by Abisola Adegoke, director of hospital services, on behalf of Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health.
According to the circular, the policy will take effect from January 2026, with hospital management instructed to ensure continuity of critical healthcare services during the industrial action.
“You are to ensure that you provide critical services like accident and emergency, labour, and intensive care unit, amongst others, by all legal means, including employment of locum staff,” the circular reads.
The ministry further reminded hospital authorities that the federal government’s labour law permits the implementation of the policy against workers who withdraw their services.
“You may recall that the Federal Government Law on ‘NO WORK: NO PAY’ subsists in this regard; therefore, you are directed to ensure strict enforcement of this policy on striking JOHESU members commencing from January 2026 and any group of employed staff in your institution who may wish to embark on strike.”
In addition, the circular instructed CMDs and MDs to safeguard hospital facilities, patients, and staff members who are not participating in the strike. It also directed management to allow willing employees to carry out their duties unhindered and to submit regular reports on the effect of the strike on hospital operations.
JOHESU began 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 longstanding welfare and systemic challenges affecting health workers.
The union said that although the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS was the primary cause of the strike, other unresolved grievances also contributed to the decision.
JOHESU comprises 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.
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