JOHESU strike: FG orders ‘No Work, No Pay’ in federal hospitals
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 Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) participating in the ongoing strike, while mandating hospitals to sustain emergency services nationwide.
This is according to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The directive follows the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which began on November 14, 2025, and underscores the government’s stance on industrial action within the health sector.
The circular, 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, was addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions across the country.
It outlines both financial sanctions for striking workers and operational measures to keep critical hospital services running.
According to the Ministry of Health, hospital managements are required to strictly implement the “No Work, No Pay” rule against all JOHESU members participating in the strike.
The directive takes effect from January 2026 and applies not only to JOHESU members but also to any other category of staff that may embark on industrial action.
The ministry also instructed hospitals to ensure that staff members who choose to continue working are allowed to do so without intimidation or obstruction.
Public health experts warn that while the policy is legally grounded, its broader implications for Nigeria’s already fragile health system are significant.
According to reports, the absence health of service professionals weakens delivery even when emergency units remain functional. He cautioned that emergency-only services cannot substitute for full, multidisciplinary healthcare, raising concerns about patient safety and treatment outcomes.
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