The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly condemned the federal government’s decision to stop the salaries of striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that the move could trigger a nationwide industrial action. The Congress described the policy as punitive and counterproductive, especially at a time when the health sector is already under severe strain.

The controversy follows a directive issued on January 9 by the Federal Ministry of Health, instructing Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of federal government hospitals to enforce the “no work, no pay” rule against JOHESU members currently on strike. JOHESU, which represents health workers such as nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and other allied professionals, embarked on the strike over unresolved welfare and professional demands.

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In a statement, the TUC accused the federal government of resorting to intimidation rather than dialogue, insisting that withholding workers’ salaries would only escalate tensions. The Congress argued that industrial disputes should be resolved through negotiation and mutual respect, not coercive measures that worsen hardship for workers and their families.

The TUC further warned that if the government fails to reverse the directive and return to meaningful engagement with JOHESU, it may be forced to mobilise its affiliates for a nationwide protest or strike. According to the Congress, such action would be aimed at defending workers’ rights and resisting what it termed an unfair application of the “no work, no pay” policy.

As of now, the federal government has not publicly responded to the TUC’s threat. However, labour leaders say the situation remains delicate, cautioning that continued enforcement of the salary stoppage could deepen the crisis in the health sector and disrupt public healthcare services across the country.