In a joint statement signed by TUC President-General Comrade Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Comrade N. A. Toro on Wednesday, the labor group strongly criticized the ministry's directive to withhold JOHESU salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) starting January 2026. They called the move reckless, authoritarian, and confrontational.
TUC argued that the circular, issued by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, was an attack on Nigerian workers, especially healthcare employees who are already struggling under a failing health system. The union accused the ministry of abusing power, undermining negotiations, and violating industrial relations principles.
The Congress condemned the ministry’s actions as hypocritical, claiming it was negotiating with workers while punishing them at the same time. They described the salary stoppage as cruel and unpatriotic, particularly given the country’s economic crisis, rising inflation, and high fuel prices.
TUC also warned against using IPPIS as a tool to suppress workers' rights, stating that Nigerian workers would not surrender to threats or hunger. The union demanded that the ministry withdraw the circular, restore all withheld salaries, and resume negotiations within seven days.
If the government fails to act, TUC vowed to mobilize workers nationwide for a major protest. The union placed all its affiliates, state councils, and the Federal Capital Territory council on high alert, ready for further instructions.
TUC reaffirmed its support for JOHESU and all Nigerian workers, pledging to fight oppression and injustice. The union emphasized that any resulting industrial action would be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health, which chose confrontation over dialogue. Their message was clear: "An injury to one is an injury to all."
