The Lagos State Government has appealed to medical doctors under its employment to suspend their planned three-day warning strike, which is scheduled to begin today, urging continued dialogue as negotiations are still ongoing.
In a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government said it is engaging with the leadership of the Medical Guild and taking steps to address their concerns with “utmost sincerity and urgency.”
“The government is particularly concerned over the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers in the state,” the statement read. “As a responsible government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State.”
The Medical Guild, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, announced the warning strike at a press conference on Saturday, citing unresolved salary deductions and delayed payments of entitlements. The strike is expected to run from Monday through Wednesday.
According to the government, a conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the state has already been constituted to address outstanding issues.
“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” the statement added.
The government urged 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.”
At a news conference held at the Guild’s secretariat, Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi said the warning strike followed failed attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue. He said the rift began in April when the state government deducted a portion of doctors’ salaries without prior consultation. Although the deductions were reversed after what he called “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” a fresh round of unexplained deductions occurred in July.
“Our key demands include the immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH,” Olugbogi said.
While appealing for restraint from the doctors, the state government also commended Lagos residents for their patience and understanding. It assured the public that contingency plans are in place to minimise disruptions to healthcare services during the strike period.
