The Federal Ministry of Health has directed chief medical directors (CMDs) and medical directors (MDs) of federal government hospitals to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) currently on strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated 8 January, 2026, and signed by Ms. Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
In the circular, the ministry stated that the policy would take effect from January 2026, emphasising the need to ensure the continuous provision of essential healthcare services during the ongoing 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 the employment of locum staff,” the circular read.
It added that the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” law remains in force, directing hospital heads to ensure strict enforcement of the policy on striking JOHESU members, as well as “any group of employed staff in your institution who may wish to embark on strike.”
The ministry further instructed CMDs and MDs to safeguard non-striking staff, patients, and hospital property, and to allow willing employees to carry out their duties without obstruction. Hospital managements were also asked to provide regular updates on the impact of the strike on service delivery within their institutions.
JOHESU commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on 15 November, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other unresolved welfare and systemic issues affecting health workers.
The union said that while the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS served as the immediate trigger for the strike, several longstanding grievances also informed its decision to embark on the industrial action.
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.
