January 10, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has ordered its members across federal health institutions nationwide to embark on an indefinite total work stoppage, following a new directive by the Federal Ministry of Health enforcing a controversial “No Work, No Pay” policy.
SUNTV Global Channel learnt on Saturday that the directive, issued by the Ministry of Health, instructs Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions to implement the policy with immediate effect.
In a statement circulated to members, a JOHESU leader, Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, condemned the policy, describing it as a unilateral decision taken without consultation or dialogue with the union.
According to Aminu, the move violates established principles of collective bargaining and undermines the rights of health workers, especially amid ongoing industrial actions within the sector.
“This decision was made without prior consultation with the union, demonstrating a clear disregard for the collective voice of health workers,” Aminu said.
He accused the government of attempting to weaken the union through administrative pressure, warning that the directive was designed to fracture JOHESU’s unity.
Describing the policy as “the final weapon” being deployed by the government, Aminu urged members to remain calm but resolute, stressing that solidarity was critical at this stage of the dispute.
Following the development, JOHESU directed all its members to withdraw their services immediately, explicitly ruling out skeleton services, partial compliance or any form of compromise.
“There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way. Our collective action is the key to securing our rights,” the statement read.
The union warned that allowing the policy to stand would set what it called a dangerous precedent for future labour disputes in the health sector.
“This is the time for us to stand together—strong and united—until our demands are met,” Aminu added, noting that the outcome of the struggle would depend largely on members’ unity and resolve.
JOHESU reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as a fight for fair treatment and dignity for health workers, calling on members nationwide to support one another as talks with the federal government continue.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health had yet to issue an official response to the union’s directive.
The full impact of the work stoppage on public healthcare services remains uncertain, though past JOHESU strikes have led to widespread disruptions across federal hospitals nationwide.
— SUNTV Global Channel
