Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State chapter of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) joins the ongoing nationwide strike, citing unresolved welfare issues, professional marginalisation and government inaction.
The union confirms a full withdrawal of services from December 2, following the expiration of a two-week notice issued to the Lagos State Government in line with directives from its national leadership.
Speaking Tuesday, the Lagos State Secretary of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiawu Gbolahan, says repeated engagements with state authorities fail to produce concrete commitments.
“Despite several meetings with commissioners, Heads of Service and negotiation teams, there has been no firm or actionable resolution,” Gbolahan says.
He explains that although the industrial action begins at the federal level on November 15, Lagos and other states align due to continued neglect of both national agreements and state-specific demands.
Gbolahan stresses that the strike is not aimed at the public but is necessary to safeguard the health sector. “This action is not targeted at the public. It is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the health sector and prevent further decline in service delivery,” he says.
The JOHESU leader lists the union’s key demands to include the domestication of the Consultant Pharmacy Cadre, creation of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services, correction of anomalies in call duty allowances, review of retention allowances for other health professionals and the provision of staff buses to ease transportation challenges.
He warns that continued neglect of health workers’ welfare risks accelerating the loss of skilled personnel and weakening public healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
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