TUC Gives Health Ministry 7-Day Ultimatum Over ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

By Chinedu Echianu

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to withdraw a circular enforcing the “No Work, No Pay” policy.

It is also requesting that salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) be immediately restored.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the TUC reaffirmed its solidarity with JOHESU and Nigerian workers, warning that failure to meet its demands would trigger mass resistance.

The Congress described the circular, which takes effect from January 2026 and was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, as an abuse of power and a direct attack on health workers.

It said the directive wss reckless, authoritarian and confrontational, adding that it undermines ongoing negotiations between the government and health sector unions.

The TUC condemned the stoppage of JOHESU salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), describing it as intimidation rather than policy, especially amid rising inflation, fuel price hikes and worsening economic hardship.

It insisted that it was unacceptable for the government to negotiate with unions while simultaneously imposing punitive measures.

Warning against what it called the “weaponisation” of IPPIS, the Congress said workers would not be cowed through threats or deprivation.

It described the action as provocative and unpatriotic, noting that health workers continue to bear the burden of a strained healthcare system.

The TUC demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the circular, full restoration of all affected salaries and a return to the negotiation table within seven days.

It further warned that failure to comply would lead to the mobilisation of workers across sectors for decisive collective action.

It added that all its affiliates, including the 36 state councils and the FCT council, have been placed on red alert and directed to remain on standby.

The TUC stressed that any industrial unrest or service disruption would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and its leadership.

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals continue their indefinite nationwide strike, which began in mid-November 2025 and the union has directed members to sustain the industrial action despite the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy and salary stoppage directive.