Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government will embark on a three-day warning strike beginning Monday, July 28, in protest against what they have described as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions by the state.
The action, led by the Medical Guild — the umbrella body for doctors under the state’s employment — is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and end at the same time on Thursday, July 31.
Announcing the decision at a press conference held at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, traced the dispute to April 2025 when the government allegedly made unauthorized deductions from doctors’ salaries.
“Our members were understandably angry. While there were calls for an immediate industrial action, the Guild leadership opted for dialogue and engagement with the authorities,” Olugbogi said.
He noted that after sustained negotiations, the deducted funds were eventually refunded.
A six-member conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Guild and the state government was subsequently formed. It was agreed that no further deductions would be made until a final resolution was reached.
However, the Guild has accused the Lagos State Treasury Office of violating that agreement by enforcing another round of deductions in July, prompting the latest decision to down tools.
The doctors are demanding an immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of 12 months of revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
In addition, the Guild has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, threatening to commence an indefinite strike if the issues are not resolved.
Olugbogi expressed concern over the growing dissatisfaction within the medical community, citing the exodus of healthcare professionals due to poor remuneration and economic hardship.
“It is disheartening that the most senior doctor in the Lagos State civil service does not earn up to $1,100 monthly. Yet, instead of improving welfare, the government is cutting salaries,” he said.
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He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene promptly and avert a full-scale crisis in the state’s health sector.
