The Federal Government has ordered the suspension of salaries for members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals who have been on strike since November 14, 2025.
In a circular dated January 8 and sent to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the directive aligns with the government’s “no work, no pay” policy and will take effect from January 2026.
The memo, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, instructed hospital managements to strictly enforce the policy against all striking JOHESU members and any other workers who may join the industrial action.
The ministry also directed hospital heads to ensure the continued provision of critical services, including accident and emergency care, labour wards and intensive care units. Managements were authorised to deploy all lawful measures, including the engagement of locum staff, to keep these services running.
In addition, hospitals were told to guarantee the safety of lives and property within their facilities and ensure that staff willing to work are allowed to perform their duties without intimidation or obstruction. Regular updates on the impact of the strike on each institution are also required.
The JOHESU strike, which began in November, involves health workers across federal health facilities and has disrupted the delivery of some medical services nationwide.
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