The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has warned that it may go on a solidarity strike if the Lagos State Government does not resolve the salary crisis affecting doctors.
In a communiqué released after an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held virtually on Friday, August 15, 2025, the association said it would fully support the Medical Guild if it embarks on an indefinite strike. The NMA stressed that the state government must refund deductions made from doctors’ July salaries and also pay August salaries in full by August 25.
The communiqué was signed by NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, and Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Hassan. It explained that if the government fails to act, NMA Lagos will join the Medical Guild’s strike two weeks after it begins.
The dispute began on April 23, 2025, when the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the State Treasury Office, allegedly made unauthorized deductions from doctors’ salaries. Although the money was refunded after protests, the deductions returned in July.
In response, the Medical Guild staged a three-day warning strike from July 28 to 30. Despite this, the July deductions have still not been refunded. On July 30, the Guild gave the government 21 days to correct the issue.
During its meeting, the NMA also discussed problems at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Members expressed frustration over the hospital’s failure to provide free call duty meals for doctors, despite repeated complaints for the past five years.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. AbdulWasiu Adeyemo, had earlier suggested a subsidized canteen system during a February meeting with resident doctors and consultants. But the NMA leadership insisted that call duty meals should be free. The issue will be revisited at the association’s next General Congress in three weeks.
The association also raised concerns about unpaid “skipping arrears” owed to doctors in LUTH. While other federal institutions have already paid theirs, LUTH doctors are yet to receive theirs. The hospital management has asked for a list of affected doctors for processing, but the NMA vowed it will continue to push until all arrears are paid.
The communiqué ended with an appeal to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. The NMA urged him to engage with government agencies to ensure July deductions are refunded, August salaries are fully paid, and future disputes are avoided to prevent disruptions in healthcare services across Lagos.
