Outrage As Nurses Petition Lagos Government Over Alleged Ass∆ult, ‘Unpaid Salaries, Unsafe Conditions’ At Coptic Missionary Hospital

Outrage As Nurses Petition Lagos Government Over Alleged Assault, ‘Unpaid Salaries, Unsafe Conditions’ At Coptic Missionary Hospital

The nurses alleged that staff at the hospital are subjected to degrading treatment and intimidation by management.

The Elegant Nurses Forum has submitted an open petition to the Lagos State government, alleging widespread abuse, labour rights violations, and unsafe working conditions at the Coptic Missionary Hospital in the Oniru area.

In the petition addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and copied to key government agencies, the group described the situation at the hospital as “serious and disturbing,” calling for urgent intervention to protect healthcare workers and patients.

“We write to bring to your urgent attention serious and disturbing reports concerning the treatment of nursing staff and other healthcare workers,” the petition read.

“This petition is made in the interest of justice, protection of healthcare professionals, and the safety of patients within Lagos State.”

The nurses alleged that staff at the hospital are subjected to degrading treatment and intimidation by management.

“Nurses working at the hospital are subjected to harsh, degrading, and unprofessional treatment,” the group stated, adding that “this has created a toxic work environment that affects both staff welfare and patient care.”

They further alleged that management operates with impunity.

“There are claims that the management, who are foreign nationals, openly boast of their influence and act as though they are above the law,” the petition noted, warning that such conduct discourages victims from speaking out.

According to the petition, several healthcare workers who were dismissed have not received their wages.

“Several nurses and staff members who were unlawfully dismissed have not been paid their outstanding salaries or compensated for their services,” it said. “This is unjust and unacceptable.”

The group also accused the hospital of violating labour laws through abrupt sackings.

“Employees are reportedly dismissed without prior notice, due process, or adherence to labour laws,” the statement said. “This violates their rights and leaves them without means of livelihood.”

In one of the most alarming claims, the petition alleged that nurses have been physically assaulted — even during medical procedures.

“There have been troubling reports of physical assaults on nurses, even during surgical procedures,” the group said. “This is not only inhumane but dangerous to both staff and patients.”

The petition also highlighted cases of humiliation.

“One of our members was publicly humiliated and had to report the matter to the Office of the Public Defender in Lagos,” it added. “Such actions are unacceptable and must not be ignored.”

The nurses further accused the hospital of exposing staff to serious health risks.

“Nurses have been exposed to serious health risks, including being made to participate in surgical procedures involving patients with infectious diseases such as hepatitis B without prior notification or adequate protection,” the petition stated. “This is a clear violation of safety standards.”

They warned that such practices endanger both healthcare workers and patients.

 

 

The petition also raised concerns about the hospital’s internal structure, particularly in its theatre units.

“Unqualified technicians, many of whom lack proper medical training, are reportedly placed in leadership positions over trained nurses,” the group said. “This endangers patient safety and undermines professional standards.”

 

Meanwhile, the Elegant Nurses Forum urged the Lagos State government to take immediate steps, including launching an independent investigation and enforcing labour laws.

 

“We respectfully call on the Lagos State Government to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into all allegations against the hospital,” the petition read.

It also demanded that authorities compel the hospital to settle all outstanding payments.

“Compel the hospital management to pay all owed salaries and compensation to affected staff without delay,” the group stated.

The petition further called for sanctions if wrongdoing is established.

“Hold accountable any individuals or management found guilty of abuse, negligence, or unlawful practices,” it said, adding that the government should “assess whether the hospital should continue operating under its current management if these allegations are proven.”

 

 

One of the affected workers, Blessing Eseoghene Egbonodje, recounted her experience, alleging she was denied her salary after her employment was terminated.

“I worked throughout the month of March, but they refused to pay me my salary,” she said. “My contract was terminated simply because I exchanged my shift with a colleague who was there to cover it.”

She described the action as unfair and unlawful.

“I called to complain about the unlawful behaviour of Coptic and how they refused to pay me despite working,” she added.

The petition concluded with a call for transparency and systemic reforms in the healthcare sector.

“Healthcare workers are vital to the well-being of society and must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect,” it stated. “Lagos State must remain a place where justice prevails and where no institution operates above the law.”