Chairman of JOHESU in Lagos State, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the state government of injustice and alleged that “powerful interests” were frustrating reforms within the health sector.
Some patients across Lagos State have been left stranded as public hospitals and health facilities continue to experience widespread service disruptions following the extension of the strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
From Ikeja to Badagry, Epe to Ikorodu, government-owned hospitals have witnessed reduced operations, forcing many patients to either seek care at private facilities at higher costs or postpone treatment altogether as the industrial action enters a new phase.
JOHESU, which represents non-physician and non-nursing healthcare professionals in Lagos public hospitals, said the decision to sustain the strike was taken after what it described as the Lagos State government’s failure to provide concrete and time-bound commitments on longstanding issues bordering on equity, remuneration and professional recognition.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of JOHESU in Lagos State, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the state government of injustice and alleged that “powerful interests” were frustrating reforms within the health sector.
“JOHESU in Lagos rejects empty promises,” Gbadamosi said in a statement delivered on his behalf by the union’s Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan.
According to the union, it joined the national strike on December 2, 2025, after prolonged negotiations with the state government failed to produce tangible outcomes. The union maintained that the industrial action was a last resort following repeated engagements that did not translate into implementation.
“Our members are fully aware of the hardship this action is causing Lagosians, but the neglect of our legitimate demands left us with no other option,” Gbadamosi stated.
Among the union’s key demands are the recognition and appropriate remuneration of consultant pharmacists, establishment of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in Lagos health institutions, provision of staff buses for healthcare workers, implementation of revised call-duty and shift allowances, and extension of retention allowances to all healthcare professionals.
JOHESU also alleged that efforts to promote professional equity and autonomy in Lagos hospitals had been blocked by entrenched interests within the system.
The union criticised what it described as discriminatory practices in the selective payment of retention allowances to only certain cadres of health workers, warning that such policies deepen inequality within the public health system and fuel the migration of skilled professionals from the state.
As the strike continues, patients requiring routine consultations, laboratory services and other essential medical care have reportedly faced delays and cancellations in several facilities.
JOHESU urged the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State government to urgently intervene and demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the dispute by implementing previously agreed resolutions without further delay.
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