The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed federal health institutions to suspend the salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals participating in the ongoing strike.
The directive, contained in a circular addressed to all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health facilities, is based on the Federal Government’s “No work, no pay” policy and takes effect from January 2026.
The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, instructed hospital managements to strictly enforce the policy against all striking JOHESU members, as well as any other staff who may join the industrial action.
However, the Ministry emphasized that hospital heads must ensure the continued operation of critical services, including accident and emergency units, labour wards, and intensive care units, throughout the strike period.
The JOHESU strike, which commenced on November 14, 2025, involves health workers across federal health facilities and has disrupted the delivery of some medical services nationwide.
Written by Wahre Bello