In protest of what they called the state’s “unlawful and disrespectful” salary deduction, medical professionals working for the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike, which is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025.
The doctors, who are members of the Medical Guild, claimed that the strike action comes after unsuccessful attempts to settle the conflict through discussion.
It is anticipated that the industrial action will end by Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
The Guild’s chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, told reporters at a news conference at the secretariat in Lagos that the standoff started in April 2025 when the state government took medical and dental officers’ salary without their consent.
He noted that although many of their members initially demanded an immediate strike, the Guild’s leadership opted to pursue a more diplomatic route through negotiation and advocacy.
“Following persistent engagement, the deductions were reversed, and a six-member conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Guild and the government, was set up,” Olugbogi said.
“It was agreed that all parties would maintain the status quo until a resolution was reached.”
However, the Guild accused the Lagos State Treasury Office of violating the agreement by implementing another round of deductions in July, which triggered the decision to embark on the warning strike.
The Guild is demanding:
An immediate reversal of the July salary deductions
Full payment of 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.
The union also issued a 21-day ultimatum, warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to an indefinite strike.
Dr Olugbogi expressed deep concern over the growing instability within the state’s health sector, exacerbated by economic hardship and the ongoing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria.
“It is disheartening that the most senior medical doctor in the Lagos State system earns less than $1,100. Instead of supporting our members, the government is cutting from their already inadequate income. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently to prevent a collapse of healthcare delivery across the state.
According to the Guild, more than 385 doctors participated in the emergency congress where the strike was ratified unanimously.
The Guild’s Secretary, Dr Adekunle Akinade, confirmed that the union is prepared to escalate its measures if the government does not respond swiftly to their demands.
