LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Resident doctors at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, have suspended their warning strike after the Ogun State Government assured them that their outstanding professional allowance would be paid before the end of July.
The doctors said the decision to halt the 10-day warning strike was reached after a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, and leaders of the Nigeria Medical Association in Ogun State.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the association’s president, Dr John Omotoso, said members agreed to call off the industrial action after reviewing progress made in discussions with the government.
He added that doctors were directed to return to work by 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
“Following a thorough appraisal of the association’s demands and the progress made thus far, Congress resolved to suspend the ongoing industrial action, with the expectation that payment of the Professional Allowance will be effected and reflected in members’ accounts on or before 31st July, 2026,” Omotoso said.
He added that the decision followed meetings with the Ogun State Government, including Talabi and Saka, in the presence of the Ogun State leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
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Omotoso stated that the association would hold an Emergency General Meeting on August 1, 2026, to review the situation and decide on the next step if necessary.
At the same time, the doctors warned against any victimization, intimidation or harassment of members over the strike, urging affected doctors to report such cases to the union leadership.
The association thanked the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun for stepping in to address issues that could disrupt healthcare services and residency training at the state-owned teaching hospital.
The doctors had only announced the 10-day warning strike on Tuesday over the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delayed release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and worsening welfare conditions.
They had accused the state government of failing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or make a firm commitment on the implementation of the revised allowances despite the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
Furthermore, the doctors also raised concerns about manpower shortage, heavy workload, burnout, poor call rooms, inadequate accommodation, poor call meals, and repeated security breaches, including theft and burglary within the hospital environment.
While the strike has now been suspended, the union’s next meeting is expected to determine whether the government follows through on its promise and whether the other welfare concerns raised by the doctors will also be addressed.
