The Federal Government has ordered the immediate enforcement of its “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) currently on strike across federal hospitals.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was conveyed in a circular dated January 8, 2026, and signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Services.
According to the circular, the policy will take effect from January 2026 and applies to all JOHESU members participating in the strike, which began on November 14, 2025.
The directive also covers any other categories of staff that may embark on industrial action.
To minimise disruptions to healthcare services, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors have been instructed to deploy all lawful measures, including the engagement of locum staff, to ensure the continuous operation of critical units such as accident and emergency, labour wards, and intensive care units.
The ministry further directed hospital managements to strengthen security within their facilities to safeguard lives and property, while ensuring that non-striking staff are allowed to work without intimidation or obstruction.
Hospital administrators were also mandated to submit regular reports to the ministry detailing the impact of the ongoing strike on service delivery in their respective institutions.
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