The Traffic

Lagos Urges Doctors’ Guild to Rethink Warning Strike as Talks Continue

As tensions rise over alleged salary deductions and welfare concerns, the Lagos State Government has appealed to the Medical Guild to suspend its planned three-day warning strike scheduled to begin Monday, July 28, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the government acknowledged the doctors' concerns and reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to resolve the dispute amicably and swiftly.

“This administration recognizes the frustrations voiced by members of the Medical Guild and remains committed to addressing all grievances with urgency and fairness,” the statement read. It noted that talks between the Guild and government officials are currently in progress, with both sides already participating in mediation meetings.

The Ministry described the warning strike as unprecedented in recent years and emphasized its commitment to health worker welfare. “This is the first industrial action of its kind we've faced from the Medical Guild in a long while,” the statement noted. “We are particularly sensitive to the motivation and well-being of our healthcare personnel.”

To resolve the issue, a joint conciliation committee has been convened, comprising representatives from both the Guild and government agencies. The group is reviewing all submitted documents, examining them against the state’s fiscal policies.

Calling on the Medical Guild to stay the course of dialogue, the government emphasized the broader impact of the strike. “Healthcare services cater to over 20 million Lagosians. Interruptions at this scale can put lives at risk. We urge the Guild to return to the negotiation table for the sake of public health and equity.”

The statement closed with an assurance that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains fully invested in fostering both improved healthcare delivery and peaceful labour relations. Meanwhile, contingency measures have been activated to minimize service disruption across state hospitals during the strike.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna