Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State chapter, has threatened to down tools in solidarity with the Medical Guild over unpaid salaries, unresolved welfare issues, and what it described as “deliberate insensitivity” to doctors’ plights.
This development followed an Emergency General Meeting convened by the association in Lagos, where members took turns to ventilate their frustrations and deliberate on the 21-day ultimatum earlier issued by the Medical Guild.
The ultimatum, which expires on August 25, 2025, was triggered by the Lagos State Government’s failure to refund controversial deductions from July salaries and ensure the full payment of August emoluments.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, and Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Hassan, the association stated that a solidarity strike was inevitable should the government remain recalcitrant.
The strike, it warned, would commence two weeks after the Medical Guild initiates its own industrial action.
“The Lagos State Government risks a total breakdown in health service delivery if it continues to neglect its obligations to medical doctors.
“We shall not sit idly while our members are subjected to financial humiliation and systemic ,” the communiqué read.
NMA described as “unjust and illegal” deductions from doctors’ salaries.
According to the association, the issue began on April 23, 2025, when the state government made a similar deduction.
The communique added, “That action triggered an uproar, forcing the authorities to reverse the move after intense pressure and protest.
“However, barely three months later, on July 23, the government allegedly repeated the deduction, prompting the Medical Guild to embark on a three-day warning strike from July 28 to 30. Despite the industrial action, the affected salaries have not been refunded as of the time of filing this report.”
The NMA Lagos said the situation was both unacceptable and provocative, accusing the government of “testing the patience of the entire medical workforce.”
Beyond the salary controversy, the NMA also lashed out at the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, accusing it of failing to provide call-duty meals to doctors for over five years.
The association disclosed that during a meeting with the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, in February 2025, he reportedly rejected the demand for free meals, proposing instead a paid canteen system.
This proposal, NMA said, was a slap in the face of doctors who risk their lives daily to keep the health system afloat.
The association noted, “We find it deeply troubling that a teaching hospital of LUTH’s status expects doctors working 24-hour shifts to fend for themselves when it comes to basic meals.
“This is not only unethical but inhumane. We categorically reject the canteen-for-sale approach. Call meals must be provided at zero cost.”
Adding to the growing list of grievances is the lingering issue of skipping arrears owed to medical doctors due to adjustments in salary grade levels.
The association noted that while other federal health institutions had settled the arrears, LUTH remains a conspicuous defaulter.
“Despite repeated complaints and several appeals, LUTH has continued to delay the payment of skipped arrears. This amounts to wage theft.
“Doctors in LUTH are not second-class employees. Justice must be served, and we shall not relent until every kobo owed is paid,” the statement read.
The NMA Lagos called on the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to take urgent steps to engage all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to avert a looming shutdown of public hospitals in the state.
“The July deductions must be refunded without further delay. August salaries must be paid in full by August 25, and the culture of arbitrary deductions must end. These actions, if left unresolved, will plunge the state’s healthcare system into chaos,” the association warned.
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