FG lifts ‘No Work, No Pay’ on JOHESU, approves January salaries after strike suspension

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

ABUJA — The Federal Government has lifted the “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed during the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all its members.

The decision followed the suspension of the industrial action after a successful conciliation meeting with the Federal Government, which prompted JOHESU to direct its members nationwide to resume work in the interest of patients, health system stability and national public health security.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness and the protection of Nigeria’s health workforce.

“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. This resolution demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector,” Salako said.

The minister acknowledged the sacrifices of health workers and their critical role in safeguarding the wellbeing of Nigerians, assuring JOHESU members that no worker would be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the strike.

“Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no worker will suffer any form of reprisal as a result of the industrial action,” he added.

Salako reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions to promote industrial harmony and improved service delivery.

“This administration is determined to build a health sector where workers feel valued, patients receive quality care and institutions are strengthened for long-term sustainability.

“We will continue negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and prioritise outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS),” he stated.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government had committed to making provisions for the proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, in line with the existing technical committee template.

“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 Appropriation framework reflects our seriousness about achieving sustainable solutions for the health workforce through concrete policy and budgetary actions,” Salako said.

He commended the spirit of cooperation, patriotism and responsibility displayed by all parties during the engagement process, reassuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to uninterrupted, quality and accessible healthcare services nationwide.

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