The Lagos State Government has urgently appealed to the Medical Guild to suspend its three-day warning strike, which began at 8:00 a.m. today, over alleged unauthorized salary deductions, assuring doctors that their grievances are being addressed with sincerity.
The strike, announced by the Guild’s chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, during a press conference on July 26, stems from a dispute that began in April 2025 when the state implemented unilateral salary cuts, which were briefly reversed after negotiations but reintroduced in July without explanation.
The government, in a statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized ongoing negotiations and a conciliation committee reviewing the Guild’s demands, including the reversal of July deductions and payment of 12 months’ revised CONMESS arrears for honorary consultants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration stressed the critical role of healthcare professionals in serving Lagos’ over 20 million residents, expressing concern over potential disruptions and outlining contingency plans to maintain services. Olugbogi highlighted the financial strain on doctors, stating,
The most senior doctor in Lagos State employment does not earn up to $1,100,” and warned of a 21-day ultimatum leading to an indefinite strike if demands remain unmet. The government urged continued dialogue to avoid further escalation, with Ogunbanwo noting this as the first such conflict in recent years.
