Lagos Doctors Issue Ultimatum For Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries.
The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned of an indefinite strike if the state government fails to address the issue of withheld salaries by 25 August 2025. The threat, announced following an emergency general meeting (EGM) at the weekend, comes in solidarity with the Medical Guild, which represents doctors employed by the state and has already issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the refund of unauthorised deductions from July 2025 salaries and full payment of August wages.
In a communiqué signed by NMA Chairman Dr Saheed Babajide Kehinde and Secretary Dr O.J. Hassan, the association condemned what it described as “unjust and unacceptable” salary deductions introduced by the State Treasury Office (STO) through a revised medical salary structure. The deductions, first implemented on 23 April 2025, were reversed after protests but resurfaced in July, prompting the Medical Guild to stage a three-day warning strike from 28 to 30 July. Despite this action, the deducted funds remain unpaid, and the NMA has accused the government of indifference, warning that failure to act by the deadline will lead to the Medical Guild commencing an indefinite strike, with the NMA joining in solidarity two weeks later.
The association also raised concerns about the welfare of doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), particularly the non-payment of skipping arrears, which have been settled in other federal health institutions. Additionally, the NMA condemned LUTH’s management for failing to provide free call duty meals for over five years, rejecting a proposal by Chief Medical Director Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo to introduce a paid canteen system. “The welfare of those who keep the health system running is not negotiable,” the communiqué stated, insisting that call meals must be provided at no cost to doctors on duty.
Dr Kehinde urged Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to engage relevant ministries and agencies to resolve the crisis urgently, warning that the STO’s “crisis-inducing” salary structure threatens to paralyse healthcare services across the state. The NMA also expressed alarm over the potential impact on public hospitals, noting that ongoing issues could exacerbate the “Japa” trend, with doctors leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad due to poor working conditions.
The communiqué highlighted the NMA’s frustration with the government’s inaction despite increased federal allocations to states, which reached N2 trillion by July 2025. “Workers deserve their wages regardless of when arrears were incurred,” the association stated, calling for the immediate refund of July deductions and an end to what it termed “obnoxious and crisis-prone” policies.
Public reaction on social media platforms like X has been vocal, with users expressing support for the doctors’ demands while urging the government to act swiftly to avoid disruptions to healthcare services. Analysts warn that a prolonged strike could severely impact Lagos residents, who rely heavily on public hospitals for affordable care, especially amid economic challenges.
As the 25 August deadline looms, the NMA has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the dignity and welfare of its members, urging the Lagos State government to demonstrate political will to prevent a healthcare crisis. The outcome of this standoff will likely shape public trust in the state’s health sector and influence broader discussions on Nigeria’s chronic underfunding of healthcare.
