FG reverses ‘no work, no pay’ order, pays withheld salaries to health workers after 84-day strike suspension

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 a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU, after which the union directed its members across the country to return to work immediately, Ado Bako, the ministry’s Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The industrial action had disrupted services in public health facilities nationwide, prompting negotiations aimed at restoring stability to the health sector and addressing workers’ welfare concerns.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said, “The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. The resolution reached demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector.”

On the decision to reverse measures taken during the strike, the minister said: “We recognise the sacrifices made by our health workers and the critical role they play in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no worker will be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the industrial action.”

He also addressed ongoing engagements with health sector unions on unresolved issues, stating: “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).”

On funding arrangements for salary adjustments, Salako said: “The Federal Government will continue to back its commitments with concrete policy and budgetary actions. The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 Appropriation framework reflects our seriousness about sustainable solutions for the health workforce.”

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the agreements reached were intended to ensure the resumption of uninterrupted healthcare services across the country.

On February 6, JOHESU called off its nationwide strike after 84 days.

JOHESU had shut down services across public health institutions nationwide from November 15, 2025, protesting the government’s continued delay in implementing the reviewed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other long-standing structural and welfare-related grievances within the health sector.