Ondo doctors to begin three-day warning strike over neglect, wage arrears
Health facility (Image for depiction only)
Medical doctors in Ondo State under the aegis of the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) have announced a three-day warning strike beginning Monday, July 14, 2025, to protest the state government’s failure to address their demands.
In a joint statement signed by the association’s Chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors said all government hospitals across the state will be shut during the warning strike.
The association accused the state government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of gross neglect of the health sector and disregard for the welfare of medical professionals. They noted that despite issuing multiple letters and a 14-day ultimatum that expired on July 1, there has been no official response from the government.
Among their key grievances is the acute shortage of medical personnel in the state, with some general hospitals reportedly operating with only one doctor per local government area. The doctors described the situation as dangerous and unsustainable.
The statement also decried a sudden hike in taxation introduced in April 2025 without consultation, and criticized the non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight doctors employed since October 2024. According to the group, those affected have only received partial payment once, in February 2025, with no allowances paid to date.
Other demands include the immediate payment of hazard allowances owed from October to December 2023 and January 2024, as well as promotion arrears covering June to December 2024.
The doctors are calling for:
Immediate recruitment of more doctors across the state,
Full payment of salary arrears and statutory allowances,
Reversal of the new tax regime,
Payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements to newly employed doctors,
Payment of owed hazard allowances, and
Settlement of promotion arrears.
While reaffirming their commitment to quality healthcare delivery, the association warned that failure to meet their demands within the warning strike period could lead to an indefinite industrial action, potentially crippling the state’s already strained health system.
