Resident doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, have suspended their 10-day warning strike following assurances from the Ogun State Government that outstanding professional allowances will be paid by July 31, 2026.
The decision came after a series of engagements involving representatives of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), senior state government officials, and leaders of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State. Among those present at the discussions were the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka.
The suspension of the industrial action was announced by the ARD President, Dr John Omotoso, in a statement issued after an emergency congress held on Wednesday at the association’s lounge. The statement was subsequently released to journalists on Thursday.
Omotoso explained that members resolved to halt the strike after considering the commitments made by the government and reviewing the progress achieved during negotiations.
He stated, “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
“This follows meetings and dialogue with the Ogun state government (The Secretary to the state Government SSG, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi) and the Head of Service Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka in the presence of NMA Ogun leadership.
“We hereby directed that our members should resume work by 8:00 am on Thursday, 25th June, 2026.”
Following the resolution, the association directed all resident doctors to return to work from 8 a.m. on Thursday.
The ARD president also disclosed that an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) would be held on August 1, 2026, to evaluate the government’s compliance with the agreed commitments and decide on subsequent actions.
Additionally, the association warned against any form of victimisation, intimidation, or harassment of its members over their participation in the strike. It urged affected doctors to promptly report such incidents to the leadership for appropriate intervention.
The doctors expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun for its intervention, noting that the engagement helped prevent disruptions to healthcare services and residency training programmes at the teaching hospital.
The warning strike commenced on Tuesday after resident doctors protested the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delays in releasing training funds, and worsening welfare conditions.
According to the association, the state government failed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum. The doctors also maintained that there was no firm commitment to implement and pay the revised Professional and Specialist Allowances, including outstanding arrears.
Other concerns raised by the association included delays in the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund despite its approval by the government, as well as severe manpower shortages that have resulted in excessive workloads, burnout, and extended working hours for medical personnel.
The ARD further highlighted security challenges within the hospital environment, citing cases of theft and burglary. It also pointed to the poor condition of doctors’ call rooms, inadequate accommodation, and the continued provision of substandard call meals for resident doctors.
