Lagos doctors begin warning strike ove

Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike in protest against what they describe as unlawful salary deductions.

The strike, organized under the Medical Guild, is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, and end at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Addressing journalists at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, the chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the dispute began in April 2025 when the government unilaterally deducted salaries from medical and dental officers without prior consultation.

Although many members called for an immediate strike at the time, the Guild’s leadership opted for dialogue, leading to the reversal of the deductions and the formation of a six-member conciliation committee comprising representatives of both the Guild and the state government.

According to Olugbogi, both parties agreed to maintain the status quo while negotiations continued.

However, the Lagos State Treasury Office was accused of violating this agreement by implementing another round of deductions in July, prompting the decision to embark on a warning strike.

The Guild is demanding the immediate reversal of the July deductions as well as the full payment of 12 months’ revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). A 21-day ultimatum has also been issued, warning that failure to meet the union’s demands could lead to an indefinite strike.

Dr. Olugbogi expressed concern about the worsening state of the health sector in Lagos, citing the growing economic hardship and the continued departure of medical professionals from Nigeria.

He lamented that the most senior doctor employed by the state earns less than $1,100 monthly, describing the salary cuts as unjust and harmful to an already overstretched system.

He called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene to prevent a complete breakdown of healthcare services in the state.

More than 385 doctors participated in the emergency congress where the strike action was unanimously approved.

The Guild’s Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, confirmed that the union is fully prepared to escalate its actions if the government fails to respond promptly.