Nigeria: Patients stranded at LASUTH as doctors begin warning strike
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Patients and their families were left stranded on Monday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government began a three-day warning strike.
The action, which started at 8:00 a.m., was declared by the Medical Guild in response to what it described as “illegal and disrespectful salary deductions” imposed by the Lagos State Treasury Office.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Medical Guild Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the issue began in April 2025 when the government unilaterally reduced doctors’ salaries. Although initial deductions were reversed after strong intervention, a second round of deductions occurred in July—violating a prior agreement between the Guild and the government.
“Our members were understandably upset. While many pushed for an immediate strike, we opted for dialogue and engagement,” Olugbogi said.
Despite the formation of a six-member conciliation panel, the Guild accused the government of acting in bad faith, leading to the strike action which will last until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31.
