Ogun State Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike Over Pay Disparity

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared an indefinite strike, citing unresolved pay disparity issues between federal and state medical workers. This move follows a failed three-day warning strike which started August 3, 2024, prompting the NMA to take more drastic measures.

At a press conference on Tuesday, NMA Chairman Dr. Azeem Ashimi expressed frustration over the state government’s inability to address the long-standing issue. “Despite our efforts, we have been unable to reach a compromise with the government, which continues to downplay the severity of the situation,” Ashimi stated.

The crux of the matter lies in the implementation of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which doctors argue is essential to stem the tide of medical professionals fleeing Ogun State due to the significant wage gap. Ashimi noted that the state is losing doctors daily, emphasizing that the revised CONMESS would incentivize them to stay.

Over the past two years, the NMA has implemented various initiatives to retain medical personnel, including facilitating access to land for housing and establishing a cooperative society for savings. However, Ashimi stressed that aligning state workers’ pay with federal workers’ pay is crucial to encouraging doctors to remain in the state.

The NMA is willing to reconsider the strike if the state government commits to addressing the issue through a memorandum of understanding. “We believe that a written agreement would alleviate doubts and prompt our return to work,” Ashimi concluded.