The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Wednesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to withdraw its “No Work, No Pay” directive and immediately restore the salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The labour body warned that failure to comply would trigger nationwide industrial action.
In a statement jointly signed by TUC President-General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade N. A. Toro, the union condemned a circular ordering the stoppage of JOHESU salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) from January 2026.
The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, was described by the TUC as “reckless, authoritarian and confrontational.”
“This action is a gross abuse of power, a deliberate sabotage of ongoing negotiations, and a flagrant violation of established industrial relations principles,” the statement read.
“It represents a return to command-and-control labour administration, which has no place in a democratic society.”
The Congress accused the ministry of negotiating in bad faith, saying it was wrong to hold talks with workers while imposing punitive measures.
“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,” the union declared.
TUC also condemned the salary stoppage as “wicked, insensitive and provocative,” noting that health workers were being punished despite worsening economic hardship in the country.
“These are workers who save lives daily. To deny them their salaries is to punish sacrifice and reward suffering,” it added.
The labour centre warned against using IPPIS as a tool to suppress workers.
“The use of state machinery to starve workers into submission is unacceptable. History has shown that Nigerian workers do not surrender their rights under threats or hunger,” it said.
TUC issued what it called a “final and non-negotiable demand,” insisting that the ministry must withdraw the circular, restore all withheld salaries and return to the negotiating table within seven days.
“Failure to rescind this decision within the stipulated period will compel Congress to mobilise Nigerian workers across sectors for decisive collective action,” it warned.
The union said any industrial crisis that may follow would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.
“All affiliates of Congress, as well as the 36 state councils and the FCT council, are hereby placed on red alert and directed to remain on standby for further directives,” the statement added.
Reaffirming solidarity with JOHESU, TUC declared: “We will resist oppression, reject intimidation and confront injustice wherever it rears its head. Enough is enough. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
