FG orders 'No Work, No Pay' for striking health workers

The Federal Government has ordered federal hospitals to immediately enforce a "No Work, No Pay" policy on members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) participating in the ongoing strike. In a circular dated January 8, signed by Dr. Disu Adejoke for the Minister of Health, the government mandated hospitals to sustain emergency services nationwide while sanctioning striking workers starting January 2026.

The directive addresses the JOHESU strike that began November 14, 2025, over unresolved salary adjustments under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). Hospital management must allow non-striking staff to work without intimidation and report service delivery impacts to the ministry. The policy also applies to any staff category that embarks on industrial action.

Public health experts warn that emergency-only services cannot substitute for full multidisciplinary healthcare, compromising patient safety. The CONHESS adjustment dispute has persisted since 2023, when Labour Minister Simon Lalong promised resolution after meeting JOHESU leaders. Despite prior approvals, implementation delays remain the core contention.

JOHESU has staged repeated industrial actions over remuneration, welfare, and perceived inequities. While "No Work, No Pay" may shorten strikes, experts say long-term stability requires sustained dialogue and increased healthcare investment. Patients ultimately bear the burden through delayed treatments and reduced access to care as the dispute continues.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/01/10/johesu-strike-fg-orders-no-work-no-pay-in-federal-hospitals/