The Traffic

Crisis in Care: Lagos Government Pleads with Doctors to Halt Warning Strike Over Wage Disputes

As tension brews in Nigeria's commercial nerve centre, the Lagos State Government has issued a fervent appeal to medical doctors under its payroll to suspend a three-day warning strike scheduled to commence today, amid ongoing negotiations and mounting public anxiety over healthcare access.

In a statement released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the State Ministry of Health, the government expressed deep concern and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the doctors’ grievances with "utmost sincerity and urgency."

The doctors, under the umbrella of the Medical Guild—the association representing Lagos-employed medical professionals—announced the industrial action at a press briefing on Saturday, July 27. The decision comes after what the Guild describes as repeated violations of trust and failed dialogue attempts, particularly over issues related to salary deductions and arrears payments.

“This isn’t a sudden decision,” said Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Guild. “It began in April when salaries were unilaterally slashed. Although there was an initial reversal after intense dialogue, July saw fresh deductions without prior communication.”

The strike, which is set to affect operations across government hospitals and health centres, has already sparked concern among residents, particularly in light of the economic strains and healthcare pressures still lingering post-pandemic.

But the state government insists it is not ignoring the concerns. According to the statement, a conciliation committee made up of government representatives and Guild members has been working on the matter. The committee is currently reviewing documents submitted by the Guild “in line with fiscal realities and state policies.”

“We value our doctors,” the statement read. “Their welfare, motivation, and productivity are critical to our goal of delivering timely and effective healthcare to over 20 million Lagosians.”

However, the Guild’s demands remain firm. At the heart of the dispute is the reversal of the July salary deductions and full payment of 12 months’ CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Despite the conciliatory tone from the state, the Guild insists trust has been eroded. “We’ve exhausted every avenue of dialogue. The repeated infractions speak to deeper systemic issues,” Dr. Olugbogi said.

To cushion the impact of the looming strike, the state government says contingency measures are being deployed to ensure that emergency services continue during the industrial action.

As Lagosians brace for the fallout, both sides are under pressure: the doctors, to uphold their Hippocratic oath while demanding fairness; and the government, to walk the delicate line between economic management and ethical governance.

For now, residents can only wait—and hope—for a swift resolution that does not come at the cost of lives.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna