Lagos appeals to Medical Guild to halt warning strike over salary dispute

The Lagos State Government has urged the Medical Guild to reconsider its planned three-day warning strike, set to begin on Monday in response to alleged unilateral salary deductions and other concerns raised by the doctors’ association.

In a press statement, the government emphasized ongoing negotiations and its commitment to resolving the issues to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for Lagos residents.

The statement, issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Ministry of Health, acknowledged the Medical Guild’s grievances following their press conference on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

“While we acknowledge the concerns raised by the leadership of the Medical Guild, the Lagos State Government wishes to assure the general public that all grievances of the doctors are currently being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency,” Ogunbanwo said, noting that negotiations with the Guild are actively underway.

The government highlighted that this is the first such labour action by the Medical Guild in recent years, underscoring its concern for healthcare workers’ welfare.

“This is the first time the Ministry is experiencing such a development in recent years, and the Government is particularly concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers across the state,” the statement read.

To address the dispute, a Conciliation Committee, comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the government, has been established.

“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” Ogunbanwo explained, signaling a commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue.

The government emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals in serving Lagos’ over 20 million residents.

“As a responsible Government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services,” the statement noted.

It urged the Medical Guild to continue engaging in discussions to avoid disruptions, stating, “We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption.”

The Ministry of Health appealed directly to the Guild to call off the strike, assuring that “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring industrial harmony within the health sector.”

To mitigate potential impacts, the government said it is implementing contingency plans to maintain healthcare services during the strike period.