The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LTH), has called for the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde over the non-compliance of the management of the institution with his directives on the payment of several arrears due members of the union.
JOHESU made the call in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Medical and Health Union, Comrade Olajide Rebecca; NUHAP Chairman,Comrade Olugbodi Babatunde, NASU Chairman, Comrade Olobaniyi David; and SSAUTHRIAI Chairman, Comrade Adeniran Omobolanle
In the statement, the union said there is a need for Governor Makinde to urgently intervene on the issues of unpaid arrears, decaying infrastructure, and protection of workers’ rights. 
The union lauded Gov Makinde for his commitment to workers’ welfare, exemplified by his approval and release of funds to offset promotion arrears and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears.
It however, expressed deep concern that “the impact of the Governor’s intervention was substantially diminished due to administrative lapses”, saying, “the hospital management submitted to the government a computation representing only about 20% of the actual liability in respect of: promotion arrears from January 2018 to September 2024; and arrears of minimum wage consequential adjustment”.
Stressing that “Consequently, only the understated sum was released and disbursed, leaving an outstanding balance of nearly 80%”, it added that “the full computation of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears has now been concluded and submitted to the Office of His Excellency for consideration”.
“The Union respectfully requests lump-sum settlement of the outstanding balance. It also noted with concern that the Governor’s directive to the hospital management to render a full account of funds received for this purpose over the past six years and the balance outstanding remains uncomplied with”, the statement read in part.
JOHESU listed other outstanding demands as: “Payment of the 50% balance of promotion arrears for October, November and December 2024;
“Payment of 14 months’ salary arrears for recalled staff; Payment of 26 months’ salary arrears for disengaged but reinstated staff; payment of arrears of 2025 promotion (January 2025 – July 2026);
“Approval of an emergency intervention capital fund for the comprehensive renovation of dilapidated hospital structures and the procurement of modern medical equipment to replace obsolete ones”.
While warning that continued delay is eroding staff morale and productivity, with adverse implications for the quality, safety and continuity of healthcare service delivery at the tertiary facility, JOHESU stressed that in line with international labour standards, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and the right to organise and bargain collectively, and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) guaranteeing freedom of association, it called on Governor Makinde to:
“Affirm and protect the inalienable right of staff to make legitimate demands for the payment of earned entitlements and improved working conditions through lawful union activities;
“Direct the hospital management to refrain from any form of witch-hunting, intimidation, harassment or reprisal against union leaders and members; and ensure that no staff member is victimised, directly or indirectly, for his or her participation in the ongoing lawful agitation for staff welfare and improved working conditions”.
It further emphasised that “a safe and enabling environment for social dialogue is essential for industrial harmony and sustainable healthcare delivery.
“We remain committed to saving lives and upholding our professional oath. We respectfully urge His Excellency to authorize the direct release of the outstanding 80% balance, approve lump-sum payment of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears, settle all other pending entitlements, and provide emergency funding for infrastructure renewal, while ensuring our members are protected as they lawfully advocate for their rights.”
