Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) issues a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to withdraw its controversial “no work, no pay” circular affecting members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning of nationwide labour resistance if the directive remains in force.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the labour centre condemns the circular and the alleged stoppage of JOHESU members’ salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), describing the actions as “reckless, authoritarian and confrontational.”
The statement, jointly signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, accuses the ministry of acting in bad faith while negotiations with health unions are still ongoing.
According to the TUC, the circular — signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Abisola Adegoke — amounts to a declaration of hostility against health workers already operating under what it calls “unbearable conditions.”
“You cannot negotiate with workers on one hand and unleash punishment with the other,” the Congress states, describing the directive as intimidation rather than sound labour policy.
The union also criticises the stoppage of salaries of striking health workers, calling the move “wicked, insensitive and provocative,” particularly amid rising inflation, fuel price increases and worsening economic hardship across the country.
The TUC warns against what it describes as the “weaponisation” of IPPIS to punish workers, insisting that organised labour will resist any attempt to starve employees into submission.
It demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the circular, restoration of all withheld salaries and a return to genuine negotiations within seven days.
Failure to meet these demands, the Congress warns, will trigger “decisive collective action” across sectors.
“All affiliates, the 36 state councils and the FCT council are placed on red alert,” the statement adds.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello