Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government have declared a three-day warning strike over what they described as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions, warning that a full-blown industrial action could follow if their demands are not met.

Under the umbrella of the Medical Guild, the doctors announced that the strike will commence at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, and end at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Guild Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi said the crisis stemmed from a unilateral deduction of salaries in April 2025, affecting all medical and dental practitioners in the state’s employment.

“Our members were visibly aggrieved and agitated. Although many clamoured for an immediate strike, the Guild chose dialogue and diplomacy,” Olugbogi said.

According to him, the initial deductions were reversed after advocacy efforts, and a conciliation committee comprising equal representatives from the Guild and government was established to resolve issues surrounding the CONMESS salary structure.

However, the Lagos State Treasury Office reintroduced deductions in July 2025, a move the Guild described as a breach of trust and a violation of the committee’s consensus.

“Let it be known that the most senior doctor in Lagos State employment does not earn up to $1,100. And yet, the government deems it wise to reduce this already meagre income,” Olugbogi said.

The Guild is demanding:

• Immediate reversal of the July deductions
• Full payment of 12-month CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH
• A clear commitment to uphold the agreed salary structure

Over 385 doctors attended the emergency congress where the decision to strike was unanimously ratified.

The Guild also issued a 21-day ultimatum following the warning strike. If the demands remain unmet, an indefinite strike will follow.

Guild Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Akinade, reiterated the doctors’ readiness to escalate action, warning that morale among health workers is at an all-time low due to economic hardship and the continued mass emigration of medical professionals, known as the “japa syndrome.”

“We are calling on our compassionate Governor to kindly intervene to ensure the reversal of the illegally deducted funds,” Olugbogi appealed, directing his call to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The strike raises fresh concerns about the state’s healthcare system, already grappling with limited personnel and infrastructure challenges.