FG Directs Enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” Policy on Striking JOHESU Members

FG Directs Enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” Policy on Striking JOHESU Members

The Federal Government (FG) has ordered the strict enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) who are 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 (CMDs) and medical directors (MDs) of government-owned hospitals. The document, signed by Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, on behalf of Coordinating Minister of Health, Ali Pate, mandates that the policy take effect from January 2026.

The circular instructs hospital management to maintain critical healthcare services during the strike, including accident and emergency units, labour wards, and intensive care units (ICUs), by all legal means, including the employment of locum staff.

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“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 reminded hospital authorities that the federal labour law permits the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy against workers who withdraw their services. The directive also applies to any other group of employees who may embark on strike action.

Hospital management was further instructed to safeguard hospital facilities, patients, and staff members not participating in the strike, allow willing employees to carry out their duties unhindered, and submit regular reports on the strike’s impact on hospital operations.

The strike by JOHESU began on November 15, 2025, citing the government’s delay in implementing the adjusted consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS), as well as unresolved welfare and systemic challenges affecting health workers.

JOHESU is an umbrella body comprising 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.

FG Directs Enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” Policy on Striking JOHESU Members