The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has rejected a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the implementation of a “No Work, No Pay” policy and the stoppage of salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, effective January 2026.

The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services at the ministry, Dr Abisola Adegoke, directed the enforcement of the policy and the suspension of salaries of affected workers.

The action followed the continuation of the JOHESU strike, which commenced on 15 November 2025.

The TUC said the action violated established industrial relations principles and accused the ministry of acting unilaterally while negotiations were still ongoing.

According to the congress, the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members would worsen the hardship faced by health workers amid rising inflation, fuel price increases and broader economic challenges.

The statement reads, “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 members of the JOHESU through IPPIS, effective January 2026.

“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. Let it be clearly understood: 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.”