By our reporter 10.1.2026
Workers under the banner of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have double down on their long-drawn strike following the Federal government’s decision to implement the “No Work, No Pay” rule.
JOHESU members embarked on the industrial action on November 14, 2025. JOHESU national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, said the federal government was delaying the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding it reached with the union on the health workers’ pay package.
A statement by JOHESU on Saturday directed its members across federal health institutions to withdraw their services indefinitely. According to Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, a JOHESU leader, the government policy was imposed without consultation with the union.
“This decision was made without prior consultation or dialogue with the union, showing a disregard for the collective voice of health workers,” Aminu said.
“There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way,” the statement read.
“Our collective action is the key to securing our rights.”
A circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) on Saturday in Abuja and addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions, the ministry, hospital managements are to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” law.
The directive takes effect from January 2026 and applies to all striking JOHESU members, as well as any other category of staff who may embark on industrial action.
The ministry also directed health institutions to sustain critical services, including accident and emergency care, labour wards and intensive care units, through all lawful means, including the engagement of locum staff where necessary.
“All members of staff who are willing to continue with their work must be allowed to do so without hindrance or intimidation,” the circular read.