The Lagos State Government has urged medical doctors to suspend their planned three-day warning strike, which began today, Monday, 28 July 2025, stating that negotiations with the Medical Guild are ongoing.
In a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government assured that it is addressing the doctors’ grievances with utmost sincerity and urgency.
The Medical Guild, representing doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, announced the strike on 26 July at a press conference, citing unresolved issues.
The strike, which started at 8:00 a.m. today and is set to end at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, 31 July, follows failed attempts to resolve disputes through dialogue.
The government acknowledged the concerns raised by the Guild’s leadership, emphasising its commitment to the welfare, motivation, and productivity of healthcare workers across the state.
“A conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the Government, was previously constituted to resolve all outstanding issues. Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” the statement read.
The government stressed the critical role of healthcare professionals in delivering quality services to Lagos’ over 20 million residents and urged the Medical Guild to pursue dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution, avoiding disruptions that could affect residents.
“As a responsible government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State.
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“We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption,” it added.
The government commended Lagos residents for their patience and confirmed that contingency plans are in place to minimise disruptions to healthcare services during the strike.
Dr Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Medical Guild, stated at the press conference that the dispute originated in April 2025 when the state government unilaterally deducted portions of doctors’ salaries.
Although these deductions were reversed after “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the issue resurfaced in July with new deductions “this time without prior notice or explanation.”
The Guild’s demands include the immediate reversal of the July deductions and full payment of 12 months’ revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
The Guild has also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government, warning that failure to meet these demands will lead to an indefinite strike.
Dr Olugbogi highlighted the low earnings of doctors, noting that “the most senior doctor in Lagos State employment does not earn up to $1,100,” and called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene to prevent a collapse of the state’s healthcare system.