The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a strike notice in solidarity with the Medical Guild following controversial salary deductions made by the state government in July 2025.
The association is demanding an immediate refund of the deducted amounts and full payment of August wages on or before August 25, failing which they will commence industrial action.
This resolution emerged from an Emergency General Meeting where members reviewed the Medical Guild's 21-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government. The NMA has pledged to begin its strike two weeks after the Medical Guild commences action if their demands remain unmet.
History of Salary Deductions
The controversy dates back to April 23, 2025, when the Lagos State Government first implemented salary deductions that were later reversed following widespread protests. However, similar deductions resurfaced on July 23, prompting the Medical Guild to stage a three-day warning strike from July 28 to 30.
Despite this action, the affected salaries have not been refunded, leading the Guild to issue an ultimatum set to expire on August 25.
Welfare Concerns at LUTH
The NMA also highlighted ongoing welfare issues at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including the absence of call duty meals for doctors for over five years. The association recalled a February 2025 meeting with LUTH's Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, who proposed introducing a paid canteen system instead of restoring free meals.
"The NMA rejected this plan outright, maintaining that doctors on call must be provided meals at no cost," stated Dr. Saheed Kehinde, chairman of NMA Lagos, in the communiqué.
Another contentious issue is the unpaid skipping arrears at LUTH. While other federal health institutions have settled these payments, LUTH doctors remain excluded. The association emphasized that workers are entitled to their wages regardless of when arrears were incurred.
Call for Intervention
The NMA has called on Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the immediate refund of July deductions, timely payment of August salaries, and a permanent end to what they described as "obnoxious and crisis-prone" deductions.
Healthcare services in Lagos could face significant disruption if the government fails to address these concerns before the deadline, potentially affecting thousands of patients across the state.
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