FG Tackles Long Work Hours of Health Workers With New Policy Framework
Federal Government Introduces New Policies for Health Workers’ Hours and Locum Staff Engagement
The Federal Government has unveiled new policy frameworks aimed at regulating the working hours of health workers and the engagement of locum staff at federal health institutions throughout Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that these measures respond to the concerns raised by health sector unions regarding prolonged working hours, burnout, and what the ministry describes as exploitative practices involving locum workers.
This announcement was made in a circular dated August 13, 2026, and signed by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, acting on behalf of the Minister of State for Health. The two key documents introduced are the “Policy on Work Hour Regulation for Health Workers in Health Institutions in Nigeria” and the “Policy on Locum Engagement in Health Institutions in Nigeria.”
The ministry explained that the policies stemmed from the work of a committee established by the Minister of State for Health, tasked with addressing long-standing issues related to working conditions and locum engagement within the health sector. The committee included representatives from health sector unions, Chief Medical Directors, Medical Directors from federal tertiary health institutions, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the ministry’s Labour Desk Officer.
The new regulations aim to mitigate the detrimental effects of excessive working hours, which can lead to burnout, depersonalization, and potential risks to patient safety. The framework regarding work hours is intended to control the duration of work and mandate rest periods for health workers, thereby reducing the likelihood of overwork and burnout.
Simultaneously, the policy concerning locum engagement seeks to refine the engagement process, eliminate casualization, and ensure adherence to Nigeria’s Labour Laws, Public Service Rules, and Schemes of Service. The ministry indicated that the implementation of these policies is expected to enhance patient safety and healthcare delivery, while also fostering workforce stability and aiding in the retention of skilled health professionals.
In a statement, the ministry expressed eagerness to forward the policy documents to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors for their information and collaboration in the implementation process.
Furthermore, the ministry urged Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions to adopt and implement these policies consistent with the national framework. It underscored that the success of the initiatives will largely depend on the commitment and cooperation of institutional leadership, stating, “Your leadership in this regard is indispensable.” The ministry also extended gratitude to the committee members for their contributions to the development of the new policy documents.
