“OOUTH Resident Doctors Suspend Warning Strike After Ogun Government Pledges Allowance Payment by July 31”

“OOUTH Resident Doctors Suspend Warning Strike After Ogun Government Pledges Allowance Payment by July 31″

Resident doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu, Ogun State, have suspended their 10 day warning strike after receiving an assurance from the Ogun State Government that their professional allowances will be paid on or before July 31, 2026.

The decision followed an emergency congress of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), OOUTH chapter, held on Wednesday. The association said the suspension came after engagements involving the Ogun State Government, the state leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association and senior government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi and Head of Service Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka.

ARD OOUTH President, Dr John Omotoso, said members were directed to return to work from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25. He said the doctors suspended the action after reviewing the government’s commitment and progress made during negotiations.

The doctors had commenced the warning strike over the non payment and non-implementation of revised professional and specialist allowances, including arrears. Their grievances also included delayed release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, staffing shortages, security concerns within the hospital environment, poor call room conditions, inadequate accommodation and concerns over call meals.

Before the suspension, the association had argued that prolonged staff shortages were increasing workloads and contributing to burnout among resident doctors. The strike raised concerns over possible disruptions to healthcare services and residency training at the state owned tertiary hospital.

The ARD said it will hold an Emergency General Meeting on August 1, 2026, to assess whether the promised payment has been made and decide on further action if necessary. The association also urged hospital authorities and government officials to ensure that no member is victimized, intimidated or harassed over participation in the industrial action.

The development offers temporary relief for patients and healthcare workers at OOUTH, but it also places renewed attention on the need for timely payment of medical personnel, stronger hospital security, improved welfare and sustained investment in Nigeria’s public health workforce.