Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike beginning Monday, July 28, over what they described as “unauthorised and disrespectful” salary deductions.
The doctors, operating under the Medical Guild, said the industrial action would run from 8:00 a.m. on Monday to Thursday, July 31.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday, the Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the strike became inevitable after the state government reintroduced salary deductions in July without explanation—despite an earlier agreement to maintain the status quo following a similar controversy in April.
“Our members are angry and disappointed. While we initially embraced dialogue, the government breached our agreement by making fresh deductions this month,” Olugbogi stated.
He revealed that although a six-member conciliation committee had been set up—comprising representatives of both the government and the Guild—the latest development has undermined the negotiation process.
Among their key demands are the immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of 12 months’ revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
The Guild also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, threatening a full-blown, indefinite strike if the issues are not addressed.
Olugbogi further decried the worsening condition of doctors in the state’s health sector, noting that the highest-paid state-employed doctor earns less than $1,100 monthly.
“It is unacceptable that despite the economic hardship and sacrifices by medical professionals, the government still finds it appropriate to tamper with our already meagre wages,” he said, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to personally intervene.
The Guild’s Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, said the strike had the backing of over 385 doctors who voted unanimously at an emergency congress.
“This is not just about pay; it’s about dignity, respect, and survival. Our patience has been overstretched,” Akinade added.
The Lagos State Government is yet to officially respond to the strike declaration as of the time of filing this report.
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