The Lagos State Government has urged members of the Medical Guild to shelve their planned three-day warning strike, which is scheduled to begin Monday, July 25, 2025, citing ongoing negotiations and a commitment to resolving the doctors’ grievances.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo. It comes as the state’s public healthcare sector braces for disruption, following the Guild’s declaration of a warning strike over unresolved welfare issues.
The Medical Guild — an association of doctors employed by the Lagos State Government — announced the industrial action at a press conference on Saturday, citing unilateral salary deductions, unpaid arrears, and unresolved remuneration structures.
Longstanding Dispute Resurfaces
According to the Guild’s Chairman, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, the current tensions date back to April, when doctors’ salaries were partially deducted without prior consultation. Although the deductions were later reversed after what he called “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the situation deteriorated again in July when a fresh round of deductions was made — this time, without notice or explanation.
“This pattern undermines trust and destabilises morale within the health sector,” Olugbogi stated, adding that several attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue had failed.
The Guild is also demanding the immediate reversal of the July salary deductions and the full payment of 12 months revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Government Response: Dialogue, Not Disruption
In its statement, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and transparency, stating that it was actively engaging with the Medical Guild through a previously constituted conciliation committee.
“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” the government noted. “We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption.”
The government acknowledged the doctors’ concerns, particularly regarding their welfare, and commended the patience of Lagos residents. It also assured the public that contingency plans are in place to mitigate the impact of the strike on essential healthcare services.
Strike Raises Fresh Questions on Labour Relations in Health Sector
The looming strike underscores growing tensions in Nigeria’s public health sector, where disputes over remuneration, poor infrastructure, and burnout have led to recurring industrial actions in recent years. In Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre with over 20 million residents — any disruption to public health services poses significant risks.
Health analysts warn that the strike, if not quickly resolved, could cripple services in state-run hospitals and primary healthcare centres, particularly for low-income residents who rely heavily on public facilities.
Observers are also watching closely to see how the Lagos State Government balances fiscal constraints with the demands of essential workers in an already strained economy.
Outlook
While the Medical Guild insists that the strike is merely a warning and not a total withdrawal of service, the wider implications for patient care and public confidence in the health system are considerable. The state’s handling of the situation may also set the tone for future labour negotiations across other sectors.
