The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over the stoppage of salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The Union threatened a nationwide strike if the directive is not immediately withdrawn.
In a statement signed by TUC President, Festus Osifo, and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the Congress described the “No Work, No Pay” circular, signed by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, Director of Hospital Services, as reckless, authoritarian, and confrontational.
The union demanded that all affected salaries be restored and negotiations resumed within seven days.
TUC accused the ministry of weaponizing the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to punish workers, describing the move as a gross abuse of power and a deliberate sabotage of ongoing negotiations.
It warned that any industrial tension or disruption of services resulting from the standoff would be the responsibility of the ministry, noting that Nigerian workers do not surrender their rights under threats or hunger.
It said: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must immediately and unconditionally withdraw this circular, restore all affected salaries, and return to the negotiation table within seven (7) days of this release.
“Failure to rescind this decision within the stipulated period will compel Congress to mobilize Nigerian workers across sectors for decisive collective action. Government should not miscalculate the patience of workers or underestimate the capacity of organized labour to defend its members.
“Let it be placed on record that any industrial tension, disruption of services, or nationwide action that may follow rests squarely on the shoulders of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its leadership, who have chosen confrontation over dialogue.
“Accordingly, all affiliates of Congress, as well as the thirty-six (36) State Councils and the FCT Council, are hereby placed on red alert and directed to remain on standby for further directives.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria stands shoulder-to-shoulder with JOHESU and all Nigerian workers. We will resist oppression, reject intimidation, and confront injustice wherever it rears its head.”
