Lagos State chapter of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, has suspended its strike following the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The decision was announced at the weekend in a statement signed by the union’s Lagos State Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, who said the suspension followed extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and labour bodies.
According to the statement, the leadership of JOHESU reached the decision after engagements involving the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, and other professional groups, alongside what the union described as the “timely and decisive intervention” of the state legislature.
“The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions, after wide consultations with all relevant stakeholders and professional bodies, and based on the assurances given by the Lagos State House of Assembly, has resolved to suspend the ongoing strike action,” the statement said.
JOHESU noted that firm commitments were given that all issues raised by the union would receive favourable consideration, prompting the directive for members to resume work immediately across health facilities in the state.
The union also stressed that its members must not be penalised for participating in the strike.
“No member of JOHESU should be victimised for taking part in the industrial action, as this assurance was clearly given by the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Gbolahan stated.
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Government said on Sunday that an agreement had been reached with the union following a high-level meeting convened to resolve the dispute.
“The Lagos State Government and the Joint Health Sector Unions have reached an agreement leading to the immediate suspension of the strike previously embarked upon by the union,” the government said in a statement.
It explained that discussions during the meeting were frank and constructive, with both sides committing to protecting public health and restoring normal operations in healthcare facilities across the state.
“The state government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the union’s demands within the framework of established regulations and provided clear assurances, including timelines for resolving outstanding concerns,” the statement added.
According to the government, JOHESU’s leadership communicated its decision to call off the strike after consulting its organs and members, citing the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony.
Both parties also agreed to sustain dialogue and maintain open channels of communication to ensure that agreements reached are fully implemented.
The government further acknowledged the role of allied health professionals in healthcare delivery, reiterating its commitment to improved working conditions and equitable treatment.
“Healthcare workers are expected to resume duties promptly, as consultations continue to ensure that the resolutions reached translate into lasting outcomes,” the statement said.
The Lagos State Government also thanked residents for their patience during the strike and assured the public of uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services going forward.
