Medical doctors working under the Lagos State Government, through the Medical Guild, began a firm three‑day warning strike from 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 28 to 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, in protest over what they branded as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions by the state
According to Medical Guild Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, the row began in April 2025, when the government unilaterally docked the salaries of medical and dental practitioners without prior consultation. While earlier deductions were reversed after high‑level interventions and negotiation via a six‑member conciliation committee, the Guild alleges that a fresh, unexplained pay cut occurred in July, violating the earlier agreement
The doctors are demanding: immediate reversal of July deductions and full payment of 12-month CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH. They’ve also issued a 21‑day ultimatum, warning that if their demands aren’t met, they will proceed with an indefinite strike
Dr. Olugbogi sounded the alarm on worsening conditions in the state’s health sector. He lamented that the most senior Lagos‑employed doctor earns less than $1,100 per month, yet that modest income is being further slashed. In a time of economic hardship and rising “japa syndrome”, he pleaded with Governor Sanwo‑Olu to step in and avert healthcare
The strike resolution was ratified at an emergency congress attended by over 385 doctors; the outcome was unanimous
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government, through Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Health, appealed for calm and urged the Guild to suspend the strike. The government insists negotiations remain active, with submitted documents under review in line with fiscal and policy guidelines. Contingency plans are in place to mitigate impact on Lagos’ population of more than 20 million residents
Officials stressed the importance of dialogue to avoid serious disruptions to public health services, reiterating the state’s commitment to healthcare worker welfare and productivity
MEANWHILE, across broader Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association has also raised concern over Federal Government pay proposals, warning that deviations from salary relativity could undermine clinical leadership structure and destabilise the health system. They echoed the importance of professional accountability and fair specialist allowances for clinically trained doctors
As Lagos doctors hold their ground and negotiations continue, Lagosians and patients alike remain on edge, hoping for resolution before essential medical services falter entirely.
