Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Patients across Lagos State remain stranded as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) extends its strike, disrupting services in public hospitals and forcing residents to delay treatment or seek costly private care.
Government-owned health facilities across the state operate at skeletal levels, with outpatient clinics, laboratories and pharmacies largely shut. The disruption continues despite the partial resumption of services at some federal institutions, including the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta, which offers limited relief.
JOHESU says the strike persists due to the Lagos State government’s failure to present clear, time-bound commitments on unresolved issues affecting non-physician health workers.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Lagos JOHESU Chairman Adelaja Gbadamosi, represented by Secretary Kabiawu Gbolahan, accuses the government of sustained injustice.
“JOHESU in Lagos rejects empty promises. Powerful interests continue to frustrate genuine health sector reforms,” he says.
The union joined the national strike on December 2, 2025, after negotiations collapsed without tangible outcomes. Gbadamosi admits the hardship caused but insists industrial action remains unavoidable.
“Our members understand the pain Lagosians are facing, but neglect of our legitimate demands leaves us with no alternative,” he adds.
JOHESU demands include recognition and remuneration of consultant pharmacists, establishment of autonomous medical laboratory departments, improved allowances, staff buses, and an end to what it describes as discriminatory retention payments.
Health analysts warn prolonged disruption could worsen health outcomes in Africa’s most populous city, urging urgent government intervention to prevent further strain on private facilities.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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