The Federal Government (FG) has pledged to halt the practice of withholding the salaries of striking health workers, even as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently ordered the stoppage of salaries for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals currently on strike.
The seeming contradiction has reignited debate within the health sector, with unions and analysts questioning whether the government’s renewed commitment to dialogue aligns with its immediate actions on the ground.
Circular Orders ‘No Work, No Pay’ Enforcement
In a circular dated January 8 and addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions, the Ministry directed that the salaries of striking JOHESU members be stopped with effect from January 2026.
The memo, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, cited the subsisting Federal Government policy of “No work, no pay” as the basis for the directive.
Hospital managements were instructed to strictly enforce the policy against all striking workers, as well as any other staff who may subsequently join the industrial action, which commenced on November 14, 2025.
Hospitals Told to Keep Critical Services Running
Beyond salary enforcement, the ministry directed hospital heads to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential medical services during the strike.
Critical units such as accident and emergency, labour wards, and intensive care units were to remain operational “by all legal means,” including the engagement of locum staff. Managements were also instructed to safeguard lives and property and ensure that staff willing to work were not obstructed or intimidated.
“You are also directed to ensure security of lives and property of everyone, including patients and staff,” the circular stated, adding that hospitals must submit regular updates on the impact of the strike.
FG Promises a New Approach to Industrial Disputes
Despite the hardline directive, senior government officials have reiterated that the Federal Government is working towards ending the routine use of salary stoppages as a response to industrial action in the health sector.
According to officials, the administration intends to prioritise dialogue, early intervention, and the faithful implementation of agreements reached with health unions, rather than punitive measures that often deepen mistrust.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare has acknowledged that while strikes disrupt healthcare delivery, salary deductions have historically failed to resolve the underlying causes of repeated industrial actions, including poor welfare, delayed allowances, and unresolved career progression issues.
Unions Cry Foul, Demand Consistency
Health sector unions have criticised the salary stoppage directive, describing it as inconsistent with the government’s stated commitment to industrial harmony.
JOHESU leaders argue that strikes are usually a last resort after prolonged negotiations and unfulfilled agreements, insisting that the “no work, no pay” policy undermines morale and violates international labour standards.
While welcoming the government’s broader pledge to rethink the policy, unions insist that tangible steps—such as withdrawing enforcement circulars and reopening negotiations—are necessary to rebuild trust.
Implications for a Strained Health System
Healthcare analysts warn that continued confrontations between the government and health workers could worsen Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system and accelerate the ongoing brain drain.
The JOHESU strike, which has affected service delivery across federal health facilities nationwide, comes at a time when hospitals are grappling with staff shortages, rising patient loads, and limited funding.
Experts say a clear, consistent policy direction—backed by sincere engagement and timely implementation of agreements—will be critical to preventing future disruptions.
Balancing Discipline and Dialogue
As the strike persists, the Federal Government finds itself walking a delicate line between enforcing labour laws and demonstrating goodwill to a workforce central to national health security.
Stakeholders agree that restoring confidence will require more than assurances. Sustained dialogue, transparency, and respect for agreements may ultimately determine whether the government’s promise to end salary deductions marks a genuine turning point or remains a policy aspiration overshadowed by enforcement actions.
