Lagos Doctors Begin Three-Day Strike Over Salary Deductions, Threaten Indefinite Industrial Action
Story written by okafor joseph Senoir Reporter
Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government have commenced a three-day warning strike following unresolved disputes over alleged salary deductions.
The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), under the aegis of the Medical Guild, announced the industrial action at a press conference held at the Guild’s secretariat on Monday, July 28.
According to the Guild Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, the warning strike will last from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, unless the state government addresses their grievances.
Dr. Olugbogi explained that the dispute arose after the Lagos State Government allegedly implemented unilateral salary deductions affecting all medical and dental practitioners in April 2025. Though the deductions were initially reversed following high-level consultations, tensions resurfaced when salary cuts were once again observed in July.
“We had engaged in strategic dialogue and set up a six-member conciliation committee with representatives from both the Guild and the state government. During the meetings, we presented accurate documentation on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and it was agreed that the status quo would remain pending further internal deliberations by the government,” Olugbogi said.
He revealed that despite efforts to resolve the issue diplomatically, the state government failed to uphold the agreement and resumed deductions in July—actions which the Guild described as a “breach of trust.”
The Medical Guild is now demanding:
- Immediate reversal of the July 2025 salary deductions
- Full payment of 12 months’ revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
In addition, the doctors have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government. If the demands are not met within the timeframe, the Guild has vowed to initiate an indefinite strike action that may disrupt medical services across state-owned hospitals.
Dr. Olugbogi decried the government’s treatment of doctors, noting that even the most senior medical practitioner employed by the Lagos State Government earns less than $1,100 monthly.
“With such meagre earnings, the government still considers it appropriate to further slash our salaries. This is not only unjust but demoralising,” he said.
He called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to personally intervene in the matter, describing the deductions as “illegal” and urging the immediate restoration of full salaries.
The strike action is expected to affect operations in state-owned hospitals, including emergency services, unless swift intervention is made by the government to address the doctors’ demands.
