Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, under the umbrella of the Medical Guild, will embark on a three-day warning strike from Monday, July 28, to protest what they describe as “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from their salaries.



Announcing the decision at a press conference held at the Guild’s secretariat, Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi said the industrial action would begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and end at the same time on Thursday, July 31.



He explained that the dispute began in April 2025, when the state government made unauthorised deductions from doctors’ salaries. Although the deductions were initially reversed following consultations, a fresh round of deductions in July, without prior notice or explanation, reignited tensions.


“Our members were visibly aggrieved,” Olugbogi stated. “While many called for an immediate strike, we opted for dialogue. Unfortunately, the government violated an agreement to maintain the status quo by implementing another round of deductions this month.”


The Guild said a six-member conciliation committee—comprising three representatives each from the Guild and the state government—had been set up to resolve the issue, but the latest deductions breached the terms of that engagement.


Among the doctors’ demands are the immediate reversal of the July salary 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 also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to resolve the issues would result in an indefinite strike.


Highlighting the worsening economic conditions and the ongoing brain drain of health professionals, Olugbogi lamented the strain on the healthcare system.


“It is disheartening that the most senior doctor in Lagos State does not earn up to $1,100 monthly, yet this meagre income is being further reduced. It’s not just unfair; it’s unacceptable,” he said, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently.


Guild Secretary Dr. Adekunle Akinade echoed the concerns, noting that over 385 doctors unanimously endorsed the strike at an emergency congress. He said the overwhelming turnout reflected deep dissatisfaction among medical professionals.


“Doctors have continued to sacrifice amid difficult conditions, but their patience is being stretched to the limit,” he said.