We are working in penury —Adekunle, Lagos JOHESU chair

Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Lagos State chapter, Comrade Odedeyi Adekunle, in this interview with SUBAIR MOHAMMED, speaks on the lingering nationwide strike, worsening welfare conditions of non-doctor health workers, and the growing strain on health care delivery in Lagos and across Nigeria.

Apart from what is obvious, what should Nigerians understand about this nationwide strike?

The strike action began at the federal level in November 2025. Initially, the national leadership of JOHESU allowed state chapters to delay participation, hoping that the federal government would resolve the issues promptly, making state involvement unnecessary.

However, when it became evident that there was no serious commitment from the federal authorities, states were directed to join. In Lagos, we held a congress on December 1 and commenced the strike on December 2.

Since then, we have been expecting an invitation for negotiations. Beyond the national demands, there are peculiar issues affecting JOHESU members in Lagos. We believed that if the Lagos State Government addressed these concerns, we could seek approval from our federal body to suspend the strike locally. Unfortunately, that has not happened.

What conditions made this strike unavoidable?

The core issue is the non-adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which applies to health workers other than medical doctors. Doctors operate under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

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In 2014, there was a clear pre-agreement that whenever CONMESS is adjusted, CONHESS would also be reviewed. Since then, CONMESS has been adjusted three times, while CONHESS has remained stagnant.

This growing wage disparity has severely damaged morale among non-doctor health workers. Although we have received repeated assurances, no concrete action has followed. This remains our central demand at the federal level.

In Lagos, there are additional unresolved issues. These include the domestication of the consultant pharmacist cadre already approved at the federal level, the creation of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services, and a review of shift and call duty allowances, all of which have federal backing but remain unimplemented by the state.

Transportation is another critical concern. We are demanding staff buses. Many of our members can no longer afford daily transport. Some report to work on Mondays and are forced to remain within hospital premises until Fridays, separated from their families.

How has the rising cost of living affected your members?

Since the removal of fuel subsidy, the cost of living has risen astronomically. When the minimum wage was fixed at ₦70,000, many expected it to reflect economic realities. Instead, inflation has continued unchecked, eroding workers’ incomes.

Many of our members earn below ₦100,000 monthly. Surviving on such income has become nearly impossible. We expected leadership at all levels to show empathy and take steps to cushion workers’ hardship.

The situation has become dire. Some members struggle to report for duty. Alarmingly, we have recorded an increase in deaths among our workers. Our findings show that many can no longer afford adequate nutrition, weakening their immunity and overall health.

We expected Lagos State, often described as a listening government, to respond more proactively. Sadly, entrenched interests within the system continue to frustrate our pursuit of fairness.

What impact has the strike had on patients and healthcare delivery?

The impact is profound. Services rendered by radiographers, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dietitians, health information managers, engineers, and administrative personnel have been largely paralysed.

Hospital activities have reduced drastically. Patients are being compelled to seek care in private facilities, which many cannot afford. Contrary to claims that the strike has minimal impact, healthcare delivery nationwide has been severely crippled.

We are deeply pained by this. We would have preferred an early resolution, but those responsible for addressing our grievances appear indifferent.

What steps have you taken to protect patients during the strike?

The initial directive from our federal body was a total shutdown. However, considering the implications for patients, we chose restraint.

Essential services such as water supply, electricity, and oxygen support remain functional. These services are maintained by our members, but we felt it was necessary to prevent a total collapse of the system.

We have also maintained cordial relations with hospital management. Our grievances are with the government, not management.

Despite these efforts, some patients have been lost, which we deeply regret. On several occasions, members pushed for escalation, but we restrained them in the interest of public safety. Unfortunately, the government now interprets this restraint as weakness.

How have doctors and nurses responded to the strike?

Doctors and nurses are not on strike and continue to perform their duties. However, there have been instances where some have exceeded their professional boundaries by taking over the duties of striking workers.

We have strongly cautioned against this. When doctors or nurses embark on strike, we do not deploy our members to replace them, even when some are qualified to do so. That would be unethical.

While some doctors and nurses support our cause, the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos is dominated by individuals with domineering tendencies who believe they can trample on the rights of other health professionals.

How long will the strike continue if issues remain unresolved?

We did not anticipate that the strike would last this long. At our most recent congress, members were briefed on engagements with the Lagos State Government and asked to decide the next steps.

Their decision was unanimous: the strike will continue until our demands are met.

Our members are unhappy, overworked, and impoverished. Many have emigrated in search of better opportunities. While we do not expect foreign-level salaries, we deserve dignity and the ability to meet basic needs.

Many workers are relocating out of Lagos because they can no longer afford rent. The situation is excruciating.

What is your message to patients affected by the strike?

We appeal to patients for understanding. This struggle is ultimately in the interest of all Nigerians. When health workers are treated fairly and can live decently, they are better positioned to give quality care.

We regret the disruption of services, the suffering of patients, and the loss of hospital revenue. Our demands are reasonable and achievable.

We urge the Lagos State government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to prioritise the welfare of health workers and urgently resolve these issues so normal healthcare services can resume.