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Federal Government Enforces No Work, No Pay Policy on Striking Health Workers

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has mandated the immediate implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU).

The directive was issued via a circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) on Saturday.

Addressed to Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of all federal health institutions, the circular was signed by Dr. Disu Adejoke, Director of Hospital Services, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The order is a direct response to the ongoing JOHESU industrial action, which began on November 14, 2025.

Effective January 2026, the policy will apply to all participating JOHESU members and any other staff who join the strike. Hospital managements have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the policy.

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While enforcing the sanction, the Ministry directed health institutions to maintain critical services—including accident and emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units—using all lawful means. This may include hiring temporary locum staff. The circular explicitly states that staff willing to work must be allowed to do so “without hindrance or intimidation.”

Hospital authorities are also tasked with ensuring security within their facilities and providing regular updates to the Ministry on the strike’s impact on healthcare delivery. The government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving essential health services nationwide despite the industrial action.

Expert Warns of Systemic Risks

In a related interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja-based public health expert Dr. Gabriel Adakole described the government’s move as a legally justified measure to end the strike. However, he highlighted serious implications for Nigeria’s already strained health system.

“JOHESU members—including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and allied health professionals—are essential to hospital operations. Their absence critically weakens service delivery, even where emergency units remain open,” Adakole stated.

He cautioned that relying on emergency-only care and locum staff cannot replace full multidisciplinary services, which raises risks to patient safety and treatment outcomes. The policy, he added, could exacerbate financial hardship for health workers, further demoralize the workforce, and accelerate the ongoing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria.

“Ultimately, patients bear the greatest cost through delayed treatments and reduced access to care,” Adakole emphasized.

While acknowledging that the “No Work, No Pay” policy may compel a quicker resolution, he stressed that lasting stability in the health sector requires meaningful dialogue, trust-building, and sustained investment in both health workers and infrastructure.

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ADC Rising: Salga hails influx of political heavyweights as a turning point for justice

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Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

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Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

 

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BREAKING: INEC Removes David Mark-Led NWC from Portal, Updates Records Amid ADC Leadership Crisis

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the commission’s recognition of the leadership dispute within the party.

The commission confirmed that the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark followed a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment and an ongoing suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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According to INEC, the decision comes after receiving conflicting legal representations from the two factions vying for control of the party. One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The other faction, aligned with Mr. Mark, advised INEC against recognizing Mr. Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the pending legal proceedings.

The leadership crisis traces back to July 2025, when the ADC’s former leadership resigned, paving the way for a new executive committee headed by Mr. Mark. Mr. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this transition, arguing that the party’s constitution mandates his ascension to the leadership role.

In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—pending the resolution of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.

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JUST IN: El-Rufai Detained as Bail Ruling Adjourned to April 14

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

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Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice.

“We await the decision of the court,” he added.

He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

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