The Federal Government has directed the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals participating in the ongoing strike.
This was disclosed in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) on Saturday in Abuja, addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions.
The circular, dated January 8, and signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Disu Adejoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, noted that the directive follows the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which began on November 14, 2025.
It stated that hospital managements are to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” law. The directive takes effect from January 2026 and applies to all striking JOHESU members, as well as any other category of staff who may embark on industrial action.
The ministry also instructed health institutions to sustain critical services, including accident and emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units, “through all lawful means, including the engagement of locum staff where necessary.”
“All members of staff who are willing to continue with their work must be allowed to do so without hindrance or intimidation,” the circular read. It further directed hospital authorities to “ensure the security of lives and property within their facilities and to provide regular updates to the ministry on the impact of the strike on service delivery.”
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining essential healthcare services nationwide despite the industrial action.
