Lagos doctors’ strike ends after three-day warning action. Medical Guild to resume negotiations next week over unpaid arrears and salary deductions

Lagos doctors’ strike officially ended today, bringing temporary relief to public hospitals across the state as the Medical Guild announced the next round of negotiations with the government will begin next week.

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Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Guild representing doctors in Lagos public hospitals, told PUNCH Healthwise that the decision to end the three-day warning strike followed a “promising” meeting with senior officials and partial payment of outstanding entitlements.

The strike, triggered by unexplained salary deductions and the non-payment of one-year arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), had disrupted services across key health facilities, affecting patient care.

“We’re burdened with high patient loads, high attrition, and an overworked system. Doctors can’t function effectively when their salaries are slashed arbitrarily,” Olugbogi stated.

According to him, doctors agreed to suspend the strike after government officials initiated dialogue and fulfilled parts of their demands.

These include partial payment of arrears and an assurance that wrongful deductions would be addressed.

He emphasised that while the progress was encouraging, two key conditions remain non-negotiable: full reversal of all salary deductions and payment of outstanding arrears to all affected cadres.

“The recent meeting showed good faith, but it’s not over yet. We’ll reconvene next week with all relevant documents to push for full resolution,” he added.

Olugbogi also clarified that the alleged accounting errors used to justify the deductions were debunked during the Monday meeting, with committee members agreeing the discrepancies were based on misunderstandings, not errors.

As normalcy returns to hospitals, the Guild warned that if future talks stall, stronger actions may follow.

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“We empathise with patients, but no doctor can offer safe care while distracted by unpaid wages. A clear mind saves lives,” Olugbogi concluded.