FG Vows to Enforce “No Work, No Pay” Policy on Striking Health Workers’ Salaries

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has announced firm steps to halt the payment of salaries to health workers currently participating in an industrial action.

According to an official directive, members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals who embarked on a strike beginning Friday, November 14, 2025, will have their wages suspended in line with existing government policy.

This decision was communicated in a circular dated January 8 and addressed to all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors overseeing federal health institutions across the country. The ministry emphasized that the measure aligns strictly with the Federal Government’s long-standing “No work, no pay” rule and will officially take effect from January 2026.

The circular was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, acting on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. In the memo, hospital administrators were instructed to fully enforce the policy against all JOHESU members involved in the strike, as well as any additional staff who may choose to participate in the industrial action.

The directive clearly stated that hospital managements must not only implement the salary stoppage but also ensure that essential medical services remain operational throughout the strike period. These services include accident and emergency units, labour wards, intensive care units, and other critical departments that directly affect patient survival.

To maintain uninterrupted healthcare delivery, hospital heads were authorized to adopt all lawful measures necessary to keep these vital units functioning. This includes the engagement of locum or temporary medical personnel where required.

The ministry reiterated that the “No work, no pay” provision remains legally binding and applicable in situations involving work stoppages. As such, strict compliance was demanded from all federal health institutions without exception.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare further warned that any group of staff who decides to join the ongoing strike would also be subjected to the same enforcement measures. Hospital administrators were urged to act decisively to protect public health while adhering to government regulations.

This development underscores the Federal Government’s position on industrial actions within essential sectors, particularly healthcare, where service disruption poses serious risks to lives and public welfare.