July 29, 2025

Lagos Government Urges Doctors to Suspend Strike Over Salary Deductions

The Lagos State Government has called on medical doctors under its employment to suspend their planned three-day warning strike scheduled to commence today, assuring that negotiations with the Medical Guild remain ongoing.

This appeal was made in a statement issued by Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The government acknowledged the concerns raised by the doctors and affirmed that it is addressing all grievances with urgency and sincerity. It also reiterated its commitment to the welfare and motivation of healthcare workers in Lagos.

The Medical Guild — the umbrella body for doctors employed by the Lagos State Government — had announced the warning strike on 26 July, following a press briefing held on Saturday. The strike is set to begin on Monday.

“A conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the government, had earlier been constituted to resolve the lingering issues,” the statement noted.

According to the government, several meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are currently being reviewed in line with established fiscal regulations and policy frameworks.

“As a responsible administration, we recognise the vital role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely services to over 20 million residents of Lagos State. We therefore urge the Medical Guild to embrace continued dialogue in pursuit of a peaceful and fair resolution, especially for the benefit of the public who would bear the brunt of any service disruption,” the government stated.

It also commended Lagos residents for their patience and assured them that contingency measures are in place to reduce the impact of the strike on public health services.

During a press conference at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, its Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the warning strike followed multiple failed attempts to resolve key issues through dialogue.

He explained that the dispute began in April, when the government unilaterally deducted portions of doctors’ salaries. Although the deductions were initially reversed after “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” he stated that similar unauthorised deductions were made again in July, this time without prior notice or explanation.

The doctors are demanding the immediate reversal of the July deductions, as well as full payment of 12 months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

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