15, January 2026
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in their ongoing industrial action, which began on November 15, 2025.
JOHESU has vowed to continue its strike
despite Federal Government directive enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy.
The TUC has condemned the Federal Government’s directive as unacceptable and a gross abuse of power.
This was contained in a statement signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N.A. Toro.
The statement states that the congress has described the move as a deliberate sabotage of ongoing negotiations and a flagrant violation of established industrial relations principles.
The TUC rejected the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which directed the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), effective January 2026.
The TUC accused the ministry of acting unilaterally and abusing its power, while negotiations were still ongoing.
The congress noted that the stoppage of salaries would worsen the hardship faced by health workers amid rising inflation, fuel price increases, and broader economic challenges.
The TUC has demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the circular, restoration of all affected salaries, and a return to negotiations within seven days.
The congress warned that failure to comply with its demands within the stipulated period would force it to mobilize workers across sectors for collective action.
The TUC’s backing of JOHESU’s industrial action highlights the ongoing tensions between the Federal Government and health sector unions.
The dispute centers on the government’s handling of negotiations and its decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy, which the unions see as an attempt to intimidate and punish workers.
