The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has firmly opposed a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare mandating the enforcement of a “No Work, No Pay” rule against striking health workers.
The directive, conveyed through a circular and signed by the ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, instructs that salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) be halted via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) with effect from January 2026. The move is linked to the ongoing JOHESU strike, which commenced on 15 November 2025.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the TUC leadership described the circular as inflammatory and counterproductive. The statement was jointly signed by the congress’s President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N. A. Toro.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria unequivocally, vehemently and totally rejects the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the so-called implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ and the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members through IPPIS, effective January 2026,” the statement read.
According to the congress, the ministry’s decision directly contradicts ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and health sector unions, accusing officials of abandoning dialogue in favour of coercive measures.
“Congress states in the clearest terms that this action is a gross abuse of power, a deliberate sabotage of ongoing negotiations, and a flagrant violation of established industrial relations principles. It represents a return to command-and-control labour administration, which has no place in a democratic society,” the TUC said.
The labour centre further warned that withholding salaries would deepen the economic strain on health workers already grappling with inflation, fuel price hikes and other cost-of-living pressures.
“You cannot negotiate with workers on one hand and unleash punishment with the other. This circular is not policy; it is intimidation, and Congress will not accept it,” the statement added
The TUC also condemned what it described as the deliberate use of IPPIS as a punitive tool, insisting that health workers should not be forced back to work through financial hardship.
“The stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members, workers who save lives daily, is wicked, insensitive, provocative and profoundly unpatriotic, especially at a time when Nigerian workers are being crushed by inflation and harsh economic policies,” it said.
The congress demanded that the circular be withdrawn without conditions, all withheld salaries reinstated, and negotiations resumed within seven days.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must immediately withdraw this circular, restore all affected salaries and return to the negotiation table within seven days. Failure to do so will force Congress to mobilise Nigerian workers nationwide,” the statement warned.
In addition, the TUC placed its affiliates, state councils and the Federal Capital Territory council on alert, directing them to prepare for possible collective action should the ministry fail to reverse its stance.
The congress concluded by cautioning that any industrial unrest arising from the dispute would be the responsibility of the health ministry, which it accused of choosing confrontation over constructive engagement.
