Lagos Doctors Begin Three-Day Warning Strike Over Unexplained Salary Deductions
Medical doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government have embarked on a three-day warning strike starting today, protesting what they described as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions by the state government.
The industrial action was declared by the Medical Guild, the association representing medical and dental practitioners in Lagos State’s public service. The strike is scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. on Monday to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Addressing journalists at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Medical Guild, said the decision to withdraw services followed multiple failed attempts to resolve the matter amicably with the state government.
Dr. Olugbogi explained that the issue began in April when the state made unilateral deductions from doctors’ salaries. Although those initial deductions were reversed after sustained negotiations, a fresh round of deductions—again without notice or justification—was implemented in July.
Among the Guild’s demands are:
Immediate reversal of the July salary deductions
Full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
As of the time of reporting, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official position on the strike.
However, the Lagos State Ministry of Health acknowledged the grievances and said it was handling the matter with “utmost sincerity and urgency.”
According to Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the ministry, a conciliation committee—comprising representatives of both the Guild and the government—had already been set up to address the issues.
“This is the first time in recent years that we are witnessing such an occurrence. The government remains deeply concerned about the welfare and motivation of all healthcare workers in Lagos,” Ogunbanwo stated.
He confirmed that meetings had taken place and that documents submitted by the Guild were under thorough review, in line with fiscal regulations and government policies.
“As a responsible government, we recognize the critical role of healthcare professionals in serving the over 20 million residents of Lagos State. We urge the Medical Guild to continue engaging in dialogue as we seek a fair resolution in the interest of all stakeholders—particularly the patients who may be affected.”
The ministry also appealed to the doctors to suspend their strike and allow ongoing discussions to conclude.
“Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains fully committed to the welfare of healthcare professionals and to maintaining industrial harmony in the health sector. We thank the public for their understanding and reassure Lagosians that contingency plans are in place to mitigate any service disruptions during this period,” the statement concluded.
