The Federal Government has ordered the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals taking part in the ongoing strike.
The directive was contained in a circular issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and 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, said the decision followed the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which commenced on November 14, 2025.
It directed hospital managements to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” law, noting that the policy takes effect from January 2026 and applies to all striking JOHESU members and any other category of staff that may embark on industrial action.
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The ministry also instructed health institutions to sustain critical services such as 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 reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining essential healthcare services across the country despite the industrial action.
Meanwhile, a public health expert based in Abuja, Dr Gabriel Adakole, described the enforcement of the policy as “a legally backed move aimed at ending the ongoing JOHESU strike.”
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Adakole, however, warned that the policy could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s already fragile health system.
“JOHESU members, who include nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other allied health professionals, are essential to hospital operations. Their absence weakens service delivery, even where emergency units remain open.
“While hospitals have been directed to sustain critical services and engage locum staff, experts warn that emergency-only care cannot replace full multidisciplinary healthcare, raising risks to patient safety and treatment outcomes.
“The policy also places financial pressure on health workers, potentially worsening low morale and accelerating the brain drain from Nigeria’s health sector,” he said.
Adakole added that patients would be the most affected, noting, “Ultimately, the patients would bear the greatest cost through delayed treatments and reduced access to care.
“While ‘No Work, No Pay’ may shorten strikes, lasting stability in the health sector required dialogue, trust-building and sustained investment in health workers and infrastructure.”
(NAN)