The Federal Government has issued a directive to Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) across federal hospitals, mandating the strict enforcement of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy for striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). This crucial directive aims to ensure the continuity of essential medical services during the ongoing industrial action, impacting healthcare delivery nationwide.
The order, detailed in a circular dated January 8, 2026, and signed by Abisola Adegoke, director of hospital services, on behalf of the coordinating minister, Ali Pate, emphasizes the imperative to maintain critical services. These include accident and emergency, labor, and intensive care units, utilizing all legal means, even the employment of locum staff to fill gaps.
The Federal Government Law on ‘NO WORK: NO PAY’ remains in effect, and CMDs are tasked with its rigorous application to striking JOHESU members starting January 2026. This policy extends to any employed staff within their institutions who choose to participate in a strike, underscoring the government’s stance on labor disputes.
Featured snippet paragraph: The ‘no work, no pay’ policy for striking JOHESU members will take effect from January 2026, as ordered by the Federal Government. This means that striking workers will not receive wages for the period they are on strike, with CMDs directed to enforce this rule strictly.
Hospital leadership is further charged with the responsibility of safeguarding non-striking workers, patients, and hospital facilities. They are instructed to allow willing staff to perform their duties without hindrance and to provide regular situation reports detailing any disruptions caused by the strike.
JOHESU initiated its indefinite nationwide strike on November 15, 2025. The union’s primary grievances stem from the federal government’s persistent failure to implement the adjusted consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS). This delayed adjustment, while a major catalyst, is compounded by a range of other long-standing welfare and systemic issues within the health sector.
The union’s membership comprises several key organizations within the healthcare and educational sectors. These include the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
How to understand the ‘no work, no pay’ policy in Nigeria? This policy means that employees who participate in a strike will not be paid for the days they are absent from work due to the industrial action. It is a common labor law principle aimed at discouraging prolonged strikes by impacting workers’ income.
The enforcement of this policy highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential services are not unduly disrupted by industrial actions. The directive aims to balance the rights of workers to strike with the public’s right to access critical healthcare services.
What is the CONHESS issue affecting JOHESU? The Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) is a salary scale for healthcare professionals in Nigeria. JOHESU’s strike is largely due to the government’s failure to implement an adjusted version of this salary structure, which they believe is crucial for their welfare and recognition.
Why is the government enforcing ‘no work, no pay’ now? The government’s decision to strictly enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ rule is a response to the ongoing nationwide strike by JOHESU. It signifies a firm stance to mitigate the impact of prolonged industrial actions on public services and to encourage a swift resolution.
Is JOHESU strike affecting patient care? Yes, nationwide strikes by health unions like JOHESU can significantly affect patient care. The disruption of services in accident and emergency, labor, and intensive care units, as mentioned in the directive, directly impacts the availability and quality of healthcare for patients.
What are the implications of locum staff employment? The directive to employ locum staff indicates that the government is prepared to bring in temporary workers to maintain essential services. This can help alleviate the pressure on remaining staff and ensure that critical departments continue to function during the strike.
The situation underscores the complex relationship between government, labor unions, and public service provision in Nigeria. The outcome of this enforcement will likely have significant implications for future labor negotiations and strike actions within the health sector.
What is the impact of the JOHESU strike on the Nigerian health sector? The strike by JOHESU members has a profound impact on the Nigerian health sector, leading to disruptions in services, increased workload for non-striking staff, and potential negative consequences for patient care. It also highlights systemic issues within the sector that require urgent attention.
How does the ‘no work, no pay’ rule affect striking workers? For striking workers, the ‘no work, no pay’ rule means a direct loss of income for the duration of the strike. This can put financial pressure on the striking individuals and their families, potentially influencing the duration and intensity of the strike.
What are the demands of JOHESU beyond CONHESS? While the CONHESS adjustment is a primary demand, JOHESU also cites broader welfare and systemic challenges affecting the health sector. These likely include issues related to career progression, working conditions, and other benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of health workers.
Why is the ‘no work, no pay’ rule a contentious issue? The ‘no work, no pay’ rule is often contentious because unions argue that it punishes workers for exercising their right to strike, which is a fundamental labor right. They may also argue that it does not address the root causes of the strike, such as unfulfilled agreements or poor working conditions.
