Health Sector Workers’ Strike: FG Fights Back With New Policy

The Federal Government is not taking matters lying low with the ongoing health sectors workers’ strike

It has countered with a “No Work, No Pay”, policy seeking to draw the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU), under which auspices the strike is going on, to the negotiation table.

The Federal Government’s latest move is contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) in Abuja today.

The circular dated Jan. 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.

It stated that the directive followed the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which began on Nov. 14, 2025.

Hospital managements are to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” law, NAN reports the Federal Government as stating.

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The directive which takes effect from January 2026, applies to all striking JOHESU members, as well as any other category of staff who may embark on industrial action.

While stating that members of staff willing to continue with their work must be allowed to do so without hindrance or intimidation, it also directed hospital authorities to ensure the security of lives and property within their facilities.

They are also to provide regular updates to the ministry on the impact of the strike on service delivery.