Patients across Lagos State are facing mounting difficulties as services in public hospitals remain disrupted following the extension of the industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
From major urban centres such as Ikeja and Ikorodu to coastal and suburban areas including Badagry and Epe, many residents seeking care at government-owned facilities have reportedly been turned away or left unattended. Some have resorted to private hospitals, while others have postponed treatment due to rising costs.
JOHESU, which represents non-physician and non-nursing health professionals in Lagos public hospitals, said the decision to prolong the strike followed what it described as the state government’s failure to provide clear, measurable and time-bound commitments to address outstanding issues relating to pay structure, fairness and professional recognition.
Speaking with journalists, the union’s Chairman, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the Lagos State Government of sustaining inequities within the health sector and alleged that vested interests were blocking meaningful reforms. He said the union would not accept vague assurances in place of concrete action.
Represented by the union’s Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, Gbadamosi stated that JOHESU joined the nationwide strike on December 2, 2025, after prolonged negotiations with state authorities failed to yield tangible results. According to him, repeated engagements produced no practical implementation of agreed terms, leaving the union with little option but to continue the industrial action.
“Our members understand the difficulties this action is creating for Lagos residents, but the persistent neglect of our legitimate concerns left us with no alternative,” he said.
The union’s demands include official recognition and appropriate remuneration for consultant pharmacists, establishment of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in public health institutions, provision of staff buses, implementation of reviewed call-duty and shift allowances, and extension of retention allowances to all categories of health professionals.
JOHESU also criticised what it described as discriminatory payment of retention allowances to select health worker groups, warning that such policies deepen inequality and contribute to the migration of skilled professionals from the state’s health system.
The union urged the Lagos State Government to demonstrate political will by urgently implementing previously agreed resolutions to resolve the impasse and restore normal services in public hospitals.