The Federal Government has directed the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) participating in the ongoing strike.
The directive, contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) on Saturday in Abuja, was addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions. Signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Disu Adejoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health, the circular takes effect from January 2026 and applies to all striking JOHESU members and other staff who embark on industrial action.
The ministry instructed hospital management to ensure strict compliance with the policy while maintaining critical services, including accident and emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units, using lawful means such as engaging locum staff where necessary. Staff willing to work must be allowed to do so without intimidation. Hospital authorities were also directed to ensure the security of lives and property and to provide regular updates to the ministry on the strike’s impact.
Public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole described the move as legally backed but warned of serious implications for Nigeria’s fragile health system. He noted that the absence of nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other allied health professionals weakens service delivery, even with emergency units operating.
Dr. Adakole highlighted that while the policy may shorten strikes, emergency-only care cannot replace full healthcare, potentially increasing patient risk. He also cautioned that the financial pressure on workers could worsen morale and accelerate the brain drain from the sector.
He called for dialogue, trust-building, and sustained investment in health workers and infrastructure as essential measures for lasting stability in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Leave a comment