Aggrieved Lagos Doctors Hit Breaking Point, Begin Strike

Doctors under the Lagos State Government have begun a three-day warning strike in protest over recent salary cuts.

The Medical Guild, which represents all medical and dental practitioners employed by the state, called the strike after the government slashed their pay without notice.

In a strongly worded statement, the Guild accused the state of breaching trust by deducting salaries amid widespread economic hardship.

Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Guild, and Dr. Adekunle Akinade, Secretary, jointly signed the statement.

They said the government failed to consult doctors before implementing the cuts.

Although the Guild engaged the government in talks, and officials initially agreed to revert to the previous salary structure.

Doctors later discovered that the Treasury Office had again reduced their July pay.

The Guild condemned the move, calling it illegal and deeply disappointing.

“This repeated provocation violates labour laws and breaks every form of mutual agreement we’ve had with the government,” the statement read.

According to the doctors, the timing of the pay cuts worsens matters.

“While other states are working hard to support their healthcare workers during this economic crisis and the Japa syndrome, Lagos chose to cut salaries,” they said.

They also revealed that the most senior doctor in Lagos State earns less than $1,100 monthly.

“Now the government believes reducing that already meagre income is the best way to motivate us,” they added.

After a well-attended Emergency General Assembly on July 26, which had over 385 doctors present, the Guild outlined key resolutions.

First, they directed all members to withdraw their services completely from 8 a.m. on Monday, July 28, to 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

They demanded that the government must reverse the illegal deductions and immediately pay the 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH.

Furthermore, the Guild issued a 21-day ultimatum starting after the strike ends. If the government still refuses to act, the doctors vowed to launch an indefinite strike.

Finally, they appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and restore peace in the health sector.

“We urge our compassionate governor to act quickly. Without his intervention, the situation may spiral out of control,” the Guild warned.

They thanked all members for their unwavering resilience and commitment despite ongoing challenges.

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