The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decided to suspend its ongoing strike action for four weeks to allow for peaceful dialogue with the state government.
This decision was made following an emergency general meeting, during which the association considered the hardships faced by the public during the strike at state government healthcare facilities.
As a result, members of the association have been directed to resume duties at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The association is advocating for wage parity between healthcare workers in Ogun State and their federal counterparts, as well as improved welfare for its members. The strike, which had lasted 25 days, severely impacted medical services in state-owned healthcare facilities.
Speaking at a press conference held at the association’s state secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday, the association’s chairman, Dr. Ogunjimi Luqman, explained that the emergency general meeting was initially convened on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to discuss the ongoing industrial dispute.
“The congress went on recess and reconvened on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to assess the situation, review the strike’s progress, provide a comprehensive report on engagements with the Ogun State government, and decide on the future of the strike action,” Dr. Luqman said.
He further explained that the strike was initiated due to the Ogun State government’s alleged failure to implement the revised CONMESS wage, which federal healthcare workers began receiving in June 2023.
“Despite the NMA executives’ efforts, the issue remains unresolved. The congress reviewed the strike’s effectiveness and noted the hardship imposed on the people of Ogun State due to the government’s lack of response to the doctors’ demands.”
The association urged the state government to address their demands during this four-week suspension to prevent further industrial action.
The association plans to reconvene on September 30, 2024, to review the situation, warning that industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed if their demands are not met.