The strike, which disrupted services across public health facilities in Lagos, was called off following renewed dialogue between union leaders and government representatives, with mediation from the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Government Welcomes Return to Dialogue
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, commended JOHESU for embracing constructive engagement in resolving outstanding issues. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ayantayo noted that there was consensus at a recent meeting to sustain discussions while the union convenes its congress to formally communicate the resolutions reached and restore full normalcy across public healthcare facilities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the union’s demands for enhanced welfare benefits in line with established regulations and within agreed timelines. According to him, the administration remains focused on promoting equitable treatment, improved working conditions, and sustainable welfare programmes for health sector employees.
Ayantayo also acknowledged the indispensable role of allied health professionals in strengthening healthcare delivery across the state, assuring that the government would continue to engage stakeholders through open and transparent channels to ensure diligent implementation of agreements reached.
Union Cites Assurances from Assembly
Confirming the suspension of the strike, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of JOHESU, Adelaja Gbadamosi, said the decision followed assurances given at a meeting on Friday involving state lawmakers and executive officials.
He disclosed that the Speaker of the House gave the union confidence that its demands would be addressed and appealed for a suspension of the strike pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“We were given that confidence by the Speaker of the House that all our demands will be attended to, and they pleaded with us to suspend the strike, that by Monday, we are going to have a Memorandum of Understanding and an agreement. So we suspended the strike,” Gbadamosi said.
Restoring Healthcare Services
The commissioner praised the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly for its timely intervention and constructive role in facilitating dialogue, noting that its involvement significantly contributed to the amicable resolution of the impasse.
He also expressed appreciation to Lagos residents for their patience and understanding during the period of industrial action, reassuring the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services.
The strike, JOHESU maintained, was anchored on what it described as legitimate demands aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring fairness for all professionals within it. With the suspension now in effect, attention shifts to the implementation of agreed terms and the restoration of full services across the state’s public health institutions.