The Federal Government has directed federal hospitals across the country to immediately enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy on members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals participating in the ongoing strike.

The government also mandated all federal health institutions to sustain emergency services nationwide despite the continued industrial action.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The order followed the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which commenced on November 14, 2025, and reflects the Federal Government’s firm stance on industrial action within the health sector.

The circular was 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.

It was addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions across the country.

The circular outlined both financial sanctions for health workers participating in the strike and operational directives aimed at ensuring the continued provision of critical hospital services.

According to the Ministry of Health, hospital managements are required to strictly implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against all JOHESU members currently participating in the strike.

The directive is to take effect from January 2026.

It also applies to any other category of staff that may embark on industrial action, not only members of JOHESU.

The ministry further instructed hospital managements to ensure that staff members who choose to continue working are allowed to do so without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.

Hospitals were also directed to guarantee the security of lives and property within their premises.

In addition, hospital authorities are required to submit regular situation reports to the ministry detailing how the strike is affecting service delivery in their respective institutions.

Public health experts have warned that although the “No Work, No Pay” policy is legally grounded, it carries serious implications for Nigeria’s already fragile health system.

According to reports, the absence of key health service professionals weakens healthcare delivery even when emergency units remain operational.

Experts cautioned that emergency-only services cannot substitute for comprehensive, multidisciplinary healthcare, raising concerns about patient safety and treatment outcomes.

In 2023, Nairametrics reported that the Federal Government planned to reexamine its earlier agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.

The move followed concerns over unresolved salary adjustments for health workers under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, despite prior approvals.

At the time, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, disclosed this during a meeting with JOHESU leaders led by Mr Olumide Akintayo in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Lalong had assured the union of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the outstanding issues and reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.

However, the delay in implementing the approved CONHESS adjustments has remained a major source of contention.

The unresolved issues have contributed to recurring industrial actions and prolonged tensions within Nigeria’s health sector.

JOHESU has repeatedly embarked on strikes over concerns related to remuneration, welfare and perceived inequities within the health system.

The “No Work, No Pay” policy has been deployed by the government in previous industrial actions as a deterrent measure.

While such actions may shorten strikes in the short term, analysts argue that lasting stability in the health sector will depend on sustained dialogue, trust-building and increased investment in healthcare workers and infrastructure.

Analysts further warned that patients are likely to bear the greatest burden through delayed treatments and reduced access to healthcare services if the dispute persists.