Ogun State Doctors Initiate Indefinite Strike Over Pay Discrepancies

Medical doctors in Ogun State, represented by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have commenced an indefinite strike due to unresolved pay disparities between federal and state medical workers. Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, the State Chairman of the NMA, announced the strike during a press briefing at the association’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The decision to escalate to an indefinite strike followed a failed 3-day warning strike, as negotiations with the state government did not yield the desired results.

The strike began on Saturday, August 3, 2024, and is aimed at addressing the significant pay disparity between federal and state medical workers. Dr. Ashimi explained, “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach a compromise with the government. The government continues to plea that the issues of minimum wage and other related matters are common, but my people believe that we need to address the issues on the ground.”

A central issue in the dispute is the implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which the doctors argue is crucial to prevent the exodus of medical professionals from Ogun State. “Ogun State is losing a lot of doctors daily because of the pay disparity. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” Dr. Ashimi emphasized.