The federal government of Nigeria has issued a directive to the management of federal tertiary hospitals to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against resident doctors who are on strike. This means that participating doctors will not receive their regular salaries during the period of the strike.
The directive was communicated through a circular dated August 1, 2023, and was titled “Re: Incessant Strike Action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No work, No pay’ policy of the Federal Government.” The circular was signed by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services.
The government expressed its disappointment that despite efforts to reach a resolution through conciliatory meetings involving various stakeholders, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly, an agreement could not be reached, leading to the strike.
In adherence to the circular, the hospitals have been instructed to implement the “no work, no pay” policy. This means that doctors who participate in the strike will not receive their regular salaries for the duration of the strike action.
Additionally, the hospitals are required to keep an attendance register for resident doctors who are willing to continue working despite the ongoing strike. The names of such doctors are to be furnished to the Federal Ministry of Health on a monthly basis.
The basis for this directive lies in a previous circular with reference number Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182, dated June 22, 2016, where the Federal Ministry of Health instituted the “No work, No Pay” policy against striking resident doctors.
