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FG reverses ‘no work, no pay’ directive imposed during JOHESU’s 84-day strike
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January 2026 salaries approved for health workers nationwide
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Health strike suspended as government resumes talks on CONHESS salary structure
The Federal Government has withdrawn its controversial “No Work, No Pay” policy imposed during the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), approving the immediate payment of withheld January 2026 salaries.
The decision followed a conciliation meeting between government representatives and JOHESU leaders, after which the union directed its members across the country to resume duties.
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The industrial action, which began on November 15, 2025, paralysed services in public hospitals and health institutions nationwide, as workers protested delays in implementing the reviewed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other welfare-related demands.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said the resolution was reached through dialogue aimed at restoring stability in the sector.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the government remains committed to improving working conditions for health professionals.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. Dialogue and mutual respect remain the most effective tools for resolving disputes in the health sector,” he said.
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Announcing the reversal of the earlier directive, Salako added:
“Government has 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 further disclosed that negotiations would continue on unresolved issues, particularly the adjustment of the CONHESS salary scale and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
According to the minister, provisions for salary adjustments have already been captured in the 2026 Appropriation framework, signalling government’s intention to provide long-term solutions.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stated that the agreement is expected to ensure the full restoration of healthcare services across public facilities nationwide.
JOHESU officially suspended the strike on February 6, 2026, after nearly three months of disruption to public healthcare delivery.