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NMA Issues Strike Threat Over Unpaid Salaries, Welfare Concerns at LUTH
Rising from an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) over the weekend, the association voiced strong support for the Medical Guild’s 21-day ultimatum, which demands the immediate refund of unauthorised deductions from doctors’ July salaries and full payment of August wages.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos State has issued a stern warning to the state government, threatening to embark on a solidarity strike if withheld salaries and welfare issues affecting doctors are not resolved by August 25, 2025.
Rising from an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) over the weekend, the association voiced strong support for the Medical Guild’s 21-day ultimatum, which demands the immediate refund of unauthorised deductions from doctors’ July salaries and full payment of August wages.
In a communiqué signed by NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Saheed Babajide, and Secretary, Dr. O.J. Hassan, the association declared:
“If by August 25, the government fails to refund the July 2025 deductions and ensure full payment of August salaries, the Medical Guild will commence an indefinite strike and NMA Lagos will not stand aside.
We will join in the solidarity strike two weeks after the Medical Guild’s action begins if the government remains unresponsive.
The persistent tampering with doctors’ earnings without explanation or justification is unacceptable and an affront to the medical profession.”
Welfare Demands at LUTH
The NMA also raised concerns about deteriorating welfare conditions at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasizing that the welfare of doctors “is not negotiable.”
The communiqué stated:
“We insist that free call meals must be provided to doctors on duty. The welfare of those who keep the health system running is not negotiable.”
On the issue of unpaid skipping arrears — entitlements already settled in other federal hospitals — the association expressed frustration over the delay in compiling the list of eligible doctors at LUTH.
It urged the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), LUTH to either finalise the list or advise the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD) to act on available records.
“The delay is unnecessary. Workers deserve their wages regardless of when the arrears were incurred,” the NMA noted.
Urging Government Action
The NMA called on Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, to swiftly engage with the relevant agencies and bring an end to the salary crisis.
“The Commissioner must act with urgency. This situation demands not just a bureaucratic response, but political will to protect the integrity of the health workforce in Lagos,” Dr. Babajide said.
The association thanked members and affiliate bodies that attended the EGM and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the welfare, dignity, and rights of medical professionals across the state.
As the August 25 deadline approaches, all eyes are now on the Lagos State Government to avert a potential disruption of healthcare services in the state.
