Medical doctors under the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike beginning 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, to protest what they described as the “unlawful and disrespectful” deduction of their salaries.
Operating under the Medical Guild, the doctors said the industrial action follows unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue. The strike is expected to end at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Guild’s chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the crisis began in April 2025 when the state government unilaterally deducted the salaries of medical and dental officers without consultation.
“Many of our members wanted to down tools immediately, but the Guild leadership chose to exhaust all peaceful options—negotiation, advocacy, and dialogue,” Olugbogi stated.
Following public outcry and internal engagement, the initial deductions were reversed. A six-member conciliation committee comprising representatives of both the Guild and the government was subsequently formed, with both sides agreeing to maintain the status quo pending a resolution.
However, the Guild now accuses the Lagos State Treasury Office of breaching that agreement by introducing a second round of deductions in July, prompting the current strike action.
The Guild's demands:
The union has also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to an indefinite strike.
Dr. Olugbogi raised alarm over worsening morale in the public health sector, citing the ongoing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria and deteriorating economic conditions.
“It is disheartening that the most senior medical doctor in Lagos State earns less than $1,100 monthly. Instead of supporting healthcare workers, the government is slashing their already inadequate income. This trend is unsustainable,” he said.
He called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and avert a total breakdown in the state’s healthcare services.
Over 385 doctors reportedly participated in the emergency congress where the strike action was unanimously approved.
The Guild’s secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, added that the union is ready to escalate its action if the government fails to act swiftly.
