Lagos Hospital Strike: Patients Stranded as JOHESU Extends Industrial Action Across Public Facilities

Healthcare services across Lagos public hospitals remain paralysed as JOHESU prolongs strike over pay, recognition and workplace equity

Patients seeking treatment in Lagos State government hospitals are facing mounting hardship as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) continues its industrial action, leaving many facilities operating far below capacity.

From Ikeja and Ikorodu to Badagry and Epe, residents arriving at public health institutions for routine care, emergency treatment and specialist services are being turned away or left waiting for hours without attention. Some have resorted to private hospitals at higher cost, while others are postponing critical medical care.

JOHESU, the umbrella body representing non-physician and non-nursing healthcare professionals in public hospitals, said the decision to extend the strike followed what it described as the Lagos State Government’s failure to present clear, measurable and time-bound solutions to long-standing grievances.

The union’s Chairman, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the government of sustaining “systemic injustice” within the health sector and warned that vague assurances would no longer be accepted.

Speaking through the union’s Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, Gbadamosi explained that JOHESU joined the nationwide strike on December 2, 2025, after prolonged negotiations with state authorities failed to translate into concrete 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.

Key demands driving the strike

JOHESU listed several demands it says must be addressed before the strike can be suspended. These include:

• Official recognition and proper remuneration of consultant pharmacists
• Creation of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in public hospitals
• Provision of staff buses for healthcare workers
• Implementation of reviewed call-duty and shift allowances
• Extension of retention allowances to all categories of health professionals

The union alleged that attempts to promote professional equity and institutional independence within Lagos hospitals have been repeatedly blocked by entrenched interests.

It also criticised what it described as discriminatory payment practices, where retention allowances are paid to only select groups of health workers. According to JOHESU, this disparity is contributing to low morale and the continued migration of skilled healthcare professionals out of the state.

Growing pressure on residents

With no immediate resolution in sight, the strike is placing additional pressure on Lagos residents, particularly low-income earners who depend on public hospitals for affordable treatment.

JOHESU has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently demonstrate political will by implementing previously agreed resolutions and engaging in meaningful dialogue to end the disruption to healthcare services.