The Lagos State Government has made an urgent appeal to the Medical Guild to suspend its planned three-day warning strike, which commenced today, Monday, July 28, 2025.
The industrial action, scheduled to last until Thursday, July 31, was declared by doctors in the state’s public health sector in protest against what they describe as “unlawful and disrespectful” salary deductions. The strike threatens to disrupt healthcare services for Lagos’ over 20 million residents, prompting the government to assure doctors that their grievances are being addressed with urgency.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by the Medical Guild during a press briefing on Saturday, July 26.
The doctors allege that the state government unilaterally implemented salary cuts in April, which were later reversed after negotiations, only for similar deductions to reappear in July without explanation. This breach of trust, according to the Guild, left them with no choice but to proceed with the warning strike.
The Lagos State Government emphasised that this is the first such labour dispute in recent years and reiterated its commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers.
A Conciliation Committee, comprising representatives from both the government and the Medical Guild, has been constituted to review the issues. The committee has already held meetings and is examining documents submitted by the Guild to align with existing fiscal policies.
While negotiations continue, the government has urged the Medical Guild to prioritise dialogue over industrial action, warning that a strike would disproportionately affect patients relying on public healthcare services. Contingency plans are being implemented to mitigate the impact, but the government hopes for a swift resolution to avoid further disruptions.
The doctors’ demands include the immediate reversal of the July salary deductions and the full payment of 12-month arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The Guild has also issued a 21-day ultimatum, threatening an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet.
As the standoff continues, the Lagos State Government has reassured residents of its commitment to resolving the dispute while maintaining essential health services. The outcome of ongoing negotiations will determine whether the warning strike escalates into a prolonged crisis in Nigeria’s most populous state.
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