Federal Govt Enforces 'No Work, No Pay' Rule on Striking Health Workers

The Federal Ministry of Health has instructed chief medical directors and medical directors in federal hospitals to enforce a "no work, no pay" policy against striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The directive, issued in a January 8, 2026 circular by Abisola Adegoke, director of hospital services, on behalf of Coordinating Minister Ali Pate, emphasizes the need to sustain essential services during the strike.

The policy takes effect in January 2026, requiring hospitals to maintain critical services such as emergency care, maternity, and ICU operations—even if temporary staff must be hired. The circular cites existing federal labor laws to justify withholding pay for striking workers and warns that the rule applies to any employee group joining future strikes.

Hospital leaders were also told to safeguard non-striking staff, patients, and facilities, ensure unimpeded access for willing workers, and submit regular reports on the strike’s effects.

JOHESU began its indefinite strike on November 15, 2025, protesting the government’s failure to implement the adjusted CONHESS salary structure and address systemic welfare issues. While the salary delay was the main catalyst, the union cited additional unresolved grievances.

JOHESU comprises unions like the Medical and Health Workers’ Union, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and senior staff associations from universities and research hospitals.