More pain for patients as JOHESU extends strike in Lagos public hospitals

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Patients across Lagos State are facing growing hardship as medical services in public hospitals remain disrupted following the extension of the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.

From major urban centres such as Ikeja and Ikorodu to coastal and suburban communities, including Badagry and Epe, many residents seeking treatment at government-owned health facilities have been turned away or left waiting, forcing some to seek care at private hospitals while others delay medical attention altogether.

JOHESU, which represents non-physician and non-nursing health professionals in Lagos public hospitals, said the decision to prolong the strike was taken after the state government failed to present clear, measurable and time-bound commitments to address unresolved issues bordering on fairness, pay structure and professional recognition.

Speaking with journalists, the union’s Chairman, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the Lagos State Government of perpetuating injustice within the health sector and alleged that vested interests were obstructing meaningful reforms. He stressed that the union would not accept what he described as vague assurances.

Represented by the union’s Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, Gbadamosi explained that JOHESU joined the nationwide strike on December 2, 2025, after extended negotiations with state authorities failed to produce concrete outcomes.

According to him, the industrial action became inevitable after repeated discussions and engagements with government officials yielded no practical implementation of agreements reached.

“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.

JOHESU listed its demands to include official recognition and proper remuneration of consultant pharmacists, the creation of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in public health institutions, the provision of staff buses for healthcare workers, implementation of reviewed call-duty and shift allowances, as well as the extension of retention allowances to all categories of health professionals.

The union also alleged that efforts aimed at promoting professional equity and institutional independence within Lagos hospitals have consistently been frustrated by entrenched interests in the system.

It also criticised what it described as discriminatory policies in the selective payment of retention allowances to only a few health worker groups, warning that such practices deepen inequality and fuel the ongoing exodus of skilled healthcare professionals from the state.

JOHESU called on the Lagos State Government to urgently step in, show genuine political will, and swiftly implement previously agreed resolutions to bring the impasse to an end.