A growing wave of concern is trailing Coptic Missionary Hospital in Oniru, Lagos, after the Elegant Nurses Forum submitted an open petition accusing the facility of labour abuse, intimidation, unpaid salaries, and dangerous workplace practices.
According to the petition addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the allegations paint a deeply troubling picture of what many nurses say they have endured behind hospital walls. The group claimed that several healthcare workers have been subjected to harsh and degrading treatment, creating a toxic environment that not only affects staff morale but may also put patient care at risk.
Among the most serious accusations are claims of physical assault, unlawful dismissal, and salary denial. The petition alleged that some nurses were sacked without due process or prior notice, while others who had already worked were left unpaid. One affected worker, Blessing Eseoghene Egbonodje, said she worked through the month of March but was allegedly denied her salary after her contract was terminated over a shift exchange with a colleague.
Even more alarming are claims that nurses were allegedly exposed to infectious medical cases, including hepatitis B, without proper prior warning or adequate protective arrangements. If true, this raises major concerns about workplace safety and basic healthcare standards in a medical facility meant to protect lives.
The petition also questioned the hospital’s internal structure, alleging that some unqualified technicians were placed in positions of authority over trained nurses, particularly in theatre units. For many observers, that claim goes beyond staff welfare — it speaks directly to patient safety and professional accountability.
At the heart of this petition is a simple but urgent message: healthcare workers deserve dignity, protection, and lawful treatment. Nurses are not disposable labour. They are frontline professionals whose well-being directly affects the quality of care patients receive.
Now, attention turns to the Lagos State Government. If these allegations are proven, the issue will not just be about one hospital — it will be about whether justice, labour rights, and medical ethics still carry weight in Nigeria’s healthcare system.