Yemi Obafemi
The Medical Guild in Lagos State have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and reverse what they described as the illegal deduction of their salaries, warning that failure to do so could disrupt peace in the health sector.
The Guild also announced that a 21-day ultimatum would be issued to the Lagos State Government immediately after the warning strike. Should the government fail to meet their demands at the end of the ultimatum, an indefinite strike will commence.
In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman, and Dr. Adekunle Akinade, Secretary of the Guild, the association condemned the deductions as “a singular act and repeated provocation” by the state government.
They described the move as “regrettable, illegal, a breach of trust and cordial agreement,” and one that is “totally frowned at by labour law.”
The Guild lamented the timing of the deductions, citing the current economic hardship, the impacts of the “Japa” syndrome, and the challenges posed by government policies.
“At a time when other states are doing all they can to retain and motivate their health workforce, Lagos State has chosen to reduce the already meagre earnings of its doctors,” the statement read. “Let it be known that the most senior doctor in Lagos State employment does not earn up to $1,100. Reducing this meagre income cannot be seen as a motivation strategy.”
Following an Emergency General Assembly held on July 26, 2025, attended by over 385 doctors, the Guild resolved to embark on a total withdrawal of service from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28 to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, if the state government fails to reverse the deductions and pay the 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH.
“A 21-day ultimatum should be given to the LASG after the strike and at the expiration of the ultimatum, if our demands are not met, an indefinite strike should commence forthwith.
“We are by this medium calling on our compassionate Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to kindly intervene to ensure the reversal of the illegally deducted funds in order to forestall the breakdown of peace in the health sector. We appreciate all our resilient congress men and women for the sacrifice they have made so far,” the statement reads.
