The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its ongoing strike action for four weeks to allow for a peaceful dialogue with the state government. This decision was reached at an emergency general meeting of the association, which considered the hardship faced by the public during the 25-day strike that affected medical services at state government facilities.
As a result, members have been instructed to resume duties at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024. The association is advocating for wage parity between Ogun State healthcare institutions and their federal counterparts, alongside the overall welfare of its members.
Addressing a press conference at the association’s state secretariat in Abeokuta, the chairman, Dr. OgunJimi Luqman, said the meeting held on August 27, 2024, assessed the situation, reviewed the strike’s progress, and discussed engagements with the Ogun State government. According to him, the strike was initiated due to the government’s alleged failure to implement the reviewed CONMESS wage, which federal counterparts began receiving in June 2023.
“The congress reviewed the strike’s effectiveness and members’ compliance, acknowledging the hardship caused to the people of Ogun State due to the government’s failure to respond to doctors’ demands,” Dr. Luqman stated.
The NMA urged the state government to meet its demands during this 4-week suspension to prevent further industrial action. The association is set to reconvene on September 30, 2024, to review the situation, warning that industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed if their demands remain unmet.
