Posted on: Sun 27-07-2025

In a dramatic turn of events, medical doctors under the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike, accusing the government of illegally slashing their salaries—a move they say could cripple the state’s healthcare system.

The strike, organized by the Medical Guild, is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, and will last until Thursday, July 31, unless the government reverses the controversial deductions.

“This is not just about money—it’s about respect, fairness, and survival,” said Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Guild, during a press briefing.

What Triggered the Strike?

• In April 2025, the Lagos State Government implemented a unilateral salary deduction affecting all medical and dental practitioners.
• Although the deduction was initially reversed after negotiations, the Treasury Office reintroduced the cut in July, breaching a prior agreement.
• The Guild had presented documents clarifying the CONMESS salary scale, and a six-member conciliation committee was formed—but the government allegedly failed to honor its commitments.

What Doctors Are Demanding:

• Immediate reversal of the July salary deductions.
• Full payment of 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH.
• A 21-day ultimatum post-strike, after which an indefinite strike will be launched if demands are unmet.

“The most senior doctor in Lagos doesn’t earn up to 1,100 usd monthly. And yet, the government thinks cutting this meagre income is acceptable,” Olugbogi said, referencing the ongoing ‘japa’ syndrome—the mass emigration of Nigerian health workers.

Over 385 doctors attended the emergency congress where the strike was ratified. The Guild’s Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, confirmed that the union is prepared to escalate action if the government fails to act.

The Guild is now calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and prevent a total collapse of the state’s healthcare system.

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