Patients across Lagos State are facing serious challenges as services in public hospitals remain disrupted following the extension of the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Many residents who visited government-owned hospitals for medical care in recent days were either turned back or left unattended for hours due to the absence of key health workers. The situation has forced some patients to seek treatment in private hospitals, where fees are often higher, while others have postponed medical attention despite worsening health conditions.
The strike, which began on December 2, 2025, is part of a nationwide industrial action by JOHESU. The union represents non-physician and non-nursing health professionals, including pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, and other allied health workers in public hospitals.
For many Lagos residents, public hospitals are the first and sometimes only option for affordable healthcare. With the ongoing industrial action, access to basic medical services such as laboratory tests, drug dispensing, and other support services has been severely affected.
A visit to some public hospitals in Lagos showed reduced activity, with many departments closed or operating at minimal capacity. Patients waiting in corridors expressed frustration and uncertainty about when normal services would resume.
A mother of two, who brought her child for treatment at a government hospital in Ikeja, said she was asked to return home because laboratory services were unavailable. “I cannot afford private hospital bills. Now I don’t know what to do,” she said.
Healthcare experts have warned that prolonged disruption in public health facilities could have serious consequences, especially for low-income families, pregnant women, and patients with chronic illnesses who depend on regular check-ups and medication.
JOHESU leaders say the decision to extend the strike was taken after the Lagos State Government failed to provide clear, measurable and time-bound commitments to address their concerns.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of JOHESU in Lagos State, Mr. Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the state government of allowing unfair practices to continue within the health sector. He said vested interests were blocking meaningful reforms aimed at ensuring fairness among health professionals.
Represented by the union’s Secretary, Mr. Kabiawu Gbolahan, Gbadamosi explained that the union had engaged in several meetings and discussions with government officials before embarking on the strike. However, he said those talks did not lead to the practical implementation of agreements already reached.
According to him, the industrial action became inevitable after extended negotiations failed to produce concrete results.
“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 several demands, including official recognition and proper remuneration of consultant pharmacists, the establishment of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in public health institutions, and the provision of staff buses for healthcare workers.
The union is also demanding the implementation of reviewed call-duty and shift allowances, as well as the extension of retention allowances to all categories of health professionals.
Retention allowance is a financial incentive introduced by governments in some states to reduce the migration of skilled health workers to other countries. In recent years, Nigeria has experienced a significant increase in the number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers leaving the country in search of better pay and working conditions abroad. This trend, often referred to as “brain drain,” has put additional pressure on the country’s health system.
JOHESU alleged that in Lagos State, retention allowances are being paid selectively to only a few groups of health workers. The union described this as discriminatory and warned that it deepens inequality within the health sector.
The union also claimed that efforts to promote professional equity and institutional independence in Lagos hospitals have been frustrated by entrenched interests. According to JOHESU, certain groups within the system are resisting changes that would give other health professionals greater recognition and authority.
The ongoing dispute between JOHESU and the Lagos State Government highlights longstanding tensions within Nigeria’s health sector over pay structure, professional recognition, and leadership roles in public hospitals.
Over the years, disagreements between different health worker groups and government authorities have led to several strikes across the country. These industrial actions often disrupt medical services and place heavy burdens on patients.
In Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state, public hospitals serve millions of residents. The state government has invested in upgrading some health facilities in recent years, but labour disputes continue to affect service delivery.
JOHESU has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently demonstrate political will by implementing previously agreed resolutions. The union said only clear and practical steps, not verbal assurances, would convince its members to return to work.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had not announced a new agreement with the union. However, there are indications that further negotiations may take place in the coming days.
For patients and their families, the hope is that both parties will reach a compromise soon. Many residents fear that if the strike continues, the pressure on private hospitals will increase, leading to higher costs and longer waiting times.
Public health advocates have urged both JOHESU and the state government to consider the impact of the strike on vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. They called for dialogue and compromise to prevent further disruption of essential services.
As the standoff continues, thousands of Lagos residents remain caught in the middle, waiting for a resolution that will restore full medical services in public hospitals across the state.
Leave a Reply