The Federal Government has lifted the controversial “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed on members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and approved the immediate payment of their January 2026 salaries following the suspension of the union’s 84-day nationwide strike.
The decision was reached after a successful conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU, which led the union to direct its members across the country to resume duties in the interest of patients, health system stability and national public health security.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution reflected the government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness and the protection of health workers.
“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 the health sector,” Salako said.
He assured JOHESU members that no worker would be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the strike, stressing that the government recognised the sacrifices and critical contributions of health professionals to national wellbeing.
“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 further disclosed that the Federal Government would sustain engagement with health sector unions to promote industrial harmony and improved service delivery, noting that negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement were ongoing.
He also said outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) would be prioritised, adding that provisions for the proposed salary review had been included in the 2026 Appropriation Act in line with the existing technical committee framework.
“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 budget framework reflects our seriousness about achieving sustainable solutions for the health workforce through concrete policy and budgetary actions,” he said.
The minister commended the spirit of cooperation and patriotism displayed by all parties during the talks, reassuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted, quality and accessible healthcare services nationwide.
JOHESU, which comprises non-medical health workers, had embarked on the strike over unresolved welfare issues, including salary adjustments and implementation of agreements reached with the government.
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