Health workers in Lagos State are urging the government to resume negotiations to resolve a prolonged strike that has severely affected public healthcare services.
Health workers in Lagos State have called for renewed dialogue with the government as they continue to strike for the third consecutive month, demanding better pay and professional recognition. The strike, which began on December 2, 2025, has significantly disrupted services in public hospitals, impacting patient care in Nigeria's commercial capital. The Joint Health Sector Unions, representing various health professionals, stress that their demands stem from long-standing grievances that have not been addressed by the state authorities.
Union leaders have indicated that this strike reflects broader systemic issues in Nigeria's public health sector, where morale and equity are major concerns. They point out that these issues have persisted due to chronic staff shortages and an upsurge in demand for healthcare services. The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Adelaja Tajudeen, emphasized the legitimacy of their demands during a press conference, highlighting the need for fair treatment across all professional groups within the health system.
The call for negotiation signifies the workers' frustration with the government's inaction over a period marked by failed discussions. It raises alarm about the immediate implications for healthcare delivery in Lagos and potentially, other regions in Nigeria if the strike continues. Given the importance of healthcare services, the outcome of these negotiations will be critical not only for the health workers involved but also for the populace that relies on public health facilities during a time of increasing demand and limited resources.
