Medical doctors under the Lagos State Government on Monday began a three-day warning strike over alleged deductions from their salaries which were reintroduced despite prior agreements.
Following a dispute over pay cut, Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Guild of Medical Doctors at a press briefing at their secretariat in Lagos issued a warning to the Lagos State Government.
Olugbogi said the strike will commence from 8am on Monday, July 28, to 8am on Thursday, July 31, 2025 if the demands of the doctors are not met.
“The dispute stems from a unilateral salary deduction introduced by the state government in April 2025, affecting all medical and dental practitioners,” Olugbogi said.
Olugbogi explained that the deductions were initially reversed following “spirited intervention and strategic engagement”, which also led to the formation of a six-member conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Guild and the Lagos State Government.
“We presented all relevant documents clarifying the calculation of the CONMESS salary scale, and it was agreed that the status quo would be maintained while the government deliberated internally and returned with a final position,” he said.
“While many pushed for an immediate strike, the guild opted for diplomacy and engaged government agencies through advocacy.
Olugbogi accused the government of a “breach of trust”, alleging that the Lagos state treasury office again implemented salary deductions in July, prompting the decision to go on a warning strike.
He also demanded an immediate reversal of the July deductions and full payment of 12 months’ revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
The guild has also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government, warning that failure to meet their demands would result in an indefinite strike.
“Let it be known that the most senior doctors in Lagos State employment does not earn up to $1,100,” Olugbogi said.
“And yet, the government, in its wisdom, feels that reducing this meagre income is the best way to motivate the health workforce.
“We are by this medium calling on our compassionate governor to kindly intervene to ensure the reversal of the illegally deducted funds.”
