TUC Gives Ministry of Health Seven-Day Ultimatum Over “No Work, No Pay” Circular

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been given a seven-day deadline by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to revoke its “No Work, No Pay” circular and reinstate the salaries of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) members.

According to reports, the TUC has issued a warning that noncompliance will result in widespread industrial opposition throughout the nation.

The “No Work, No Pay” policy was characterized as “reckless, authoritarian, and confrontational” in a joint statement signed by TUC President-General Festus Osifo and Secretary-General N. A. Toro.

The circular, which was issued by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, and directs the suspension of JOHESU salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as of January 2026, drew harsh criticism.

The statement said, “This action is a flagrant violation of established industrial relations principles, a gross abuse of power, and a deliberate sabotage of ongoing negotiations.”

TUC emphasized that the circular amounted to an outright expression of animosity towards Nigerian workers, especially those in the medical field, who have been bearing the weight of the nation’s deteriorating healthcare system under trying circumstances.

Additionally, the TUC accused the Ministry of being inconsistent, claiming that it puts punishments on workers while negotiating with them.

“You can’t bargain with them and then punish them at the same time. Congress will not accept this circular since it is intimidation rather than policy, according to TUC.

The union denounced the JOHESU salary halt as “wicked, insensitive, provocative, and profoundly unpatriotic,” particularly in view of the nation’s continued economic struggles, growing inflation, and rising fuel prices.

Every day, these workers save lives. According to the TUC, “to deny them their salaries is to reward suffering and punish sacrifice.”

Additionally, the TUC cautioned against what it called the “weaponization of IPPIS” as a kind of worker punishment, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to use state machinery to starve people into submission.

The union went on, “History has shown that Nigerian workers do not surrender their rights under threats or hunger.”

The Ministry must remove the circular, reinstate all impacted pay, and return to the discussion table within seven days, according to the union’s final, non-negotiable demand.

“Congress will be forced to mobilize Nigerian workers across sectors for decisive collective action if this decision is not rescinded within the stipulated period,” TUC said.

The union added that the Federal Ministry of Health and its leadership will be accountable for any further service disruption or industrial action.

“Let it be put on record that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, who have chosen confrontation over dialogue, bears full responsibility for any industrial tension, disruption of services, or nationwide action that may follow,” TUC said.

In anticipation of future activities, TUC declared that it had put all of its national structures on alert. All affiliates, the 36 state councils, and the FCT council were instructed by the union to be ready for any new directions.

The TUC reaffirmed its support for JOHESU and pledged to fight injustice wherever it occurs and to oppose intimidation of any kind.

“JOHESU and all Nigerian workers have the support of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. We will fight injustice wherever it manifests itself, oppose oppression, and reject intimidation. It’s enough. According to TUC, “an injury to one is an injury to all.”