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 currently participating in an ongoing strike.
The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions across the country.
According to the circular, dated January 8, 2026, the decision follows the continuation of the industrial action embarked upon by JOHESU members since November 14, 2025.
Signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Disu Adejoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the document instructed hospital managements to ensure strict compliance with the policy beginning January 2026.
“All affected institutions are to implement the ‘No Work, No Pay’ provision for all JOHESU members currently on strike, as well as any other category of staff involved in industrial action,” the circular stated.
The ministry also directed hospitals to maintain essential medical services, including emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units, through lawful means such as the temporary engagement of locum staff where required.
“Staff members who are willing to work must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or obstruction,” the circular added.
Hospital authorities were further instructed to safeguard lives and property within their facilities and submit periodic reports on how the strike is affecting healthcare delivery.
Despite the enforcement of the policy, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to critical healthcare services nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Abuja-based public health expert Dr Gabriel Adakole described the policy as a lawful step aimed at compelling an end to the strike but warned of its wider implications.
“The government is acting within its legal rights, but the absence of JOHESU members—who include nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other allied health workers—significantly weakens hospital operations,” he said.
Adakole noted that while emergency services may remain operational, they cannot replace full, multidisciplinary healthcare.
“Emergency-only services are not a substitute for comprehensive care. The result may be delayed treatment, compromised patient safety and poorer health outcomes,” he said.
He also cautioned that the policy could worsen morale among health workers and intensify the ongoing brain drain in the sector.
“In the end, patients stand to suffer the most. While ‘No Work, No Pay’ may shorten strikes, sustainable peace in the health sector requires dialogue, trust, and long-term investment in personnel and infrastructure,” he added.
