LASG debunks NMA’s salary cut claims, says Lagos doctors remain highest paid in Nigeria

The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos chapter, that medical and dental doctors’ salaries were deliberately reduced, clarifying that no deductions were made.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, said the temporary discrepancies arose from administrative adjustments designed to align remuneration with actual entitlements under a transparent and more accurate salary structure.

“At no point did the state government deliberately reduce or deduct salaries,” Ayantayo explained.

“What was observed was part of an internal process to ensure doctors receive precisely what is due to them under agreed terms. All affected doctors have now been fully refunded,” he said.

He added that henceforth, payments to medical and dental doctors would reflect the final agreement between the Lagos State Government and the Medical Guild, bringing stability and clarity to the payroll system.

The Commissioner stressed that Lagos doctors remain the highest-paid in Nigeria’s public health system, with the state going beyond the Guild’s demands in areas such as consistent salary payments, health sector infrastructure upgrades, and professional capacity building.

Reiterating the state’s commitment to the welfare of frontline health workers, Ayantayo urged the NMA and other stakeholders to prioritise constructive engagement over public commentary that could mislead or create unnecessary anxiety among health professionals and the wider public.

“The government values its relationship with professional bodies and remains committed to dialogue, collaboration, and the continued improvement of healthcare delivery in Lagos State,” he said.