Lagos, July 28, 2025 — The Lagos State Government has appealed to medical doctors under its employment to suspend their planned three-day warning strike, assuring that steps are actively being taken to address their concerns and improve working conditions across health facilities.
The appeal was made on Monday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Afolabi Ayantayo, during a meeting with representatives of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). He urged the medical professionals to consider the larger impact of the industrial action on patients and the public healthcare system.
According to Ayantayo, the government is not only aware of the demands raised but has already begun implementing short- and long-term measures to resolve the lingering issues, including backlog of allowances, manpower shortages, and infrastructure gaps in state-owned hospitals.
The doctors had earlier issued a strike notice over unpaid hazard and wage allowances, inadequate medical supplies, and burnout resulting from staff shortages. The warning strike, if carried out, would severely affect healthcare delivery in the state’s general hospitals and primary health centres.
Ayantayo reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system and maintaining open dialogue with medical stakeholders. He added that more engagements have been scheduled in the coming days to fast-track negotiations.
“We understand the frustrations and we are taking actionable steps. We urge our medical heroes to trust the process as the government works sincerely to meet their expectations,” he said.
The Nigerian Medical Association has yet to formally respond to the appeal, though internal consultations are ongoing.
