The Federal Government has directed the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions who are participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
This directive was contained in a circular issued on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of all federal health institutions.
The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Disu Adejoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, stated the policy takes effect from January 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the circular applies to all striking JOHESU members and any other staff who embark on industrial action.
JOHESU, which includes nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other allied health professionals, began its strike on November 14, 2025.
Despite the order, the ministry instructed hospital managements to sustain critical services. “Hospital managements are to ensure strict compliance… [and] 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,” the circular read.
It further mandated that staff willing to work must be allowed to do so without intimidation, and directed hospital authorities to ensure security and provide regular updates on the strike’s impact.
In a reaction, public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that while the policy is a legally backed move to end the strike, its implications are severe for Nigeria’s fragile health system.
He warned that the absence of these essential workers weakens service delivery and that emergency-only care cannot replace full multidisciplinary healthcare, raising patient risks. Adakole argued that lasting stability requires dialogue and investment, not just punitive measures.
