OOUTH Doctors Call Off 10-Day Strike Following Talks With Ogun Government
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, has suspended its 10-day warning strike following assurances from the Ogun State Government that outstanding professional allowances will be paid on or before July 31, 2026. The decision was reached during an emergency congress of the association held on Wednesday in Sagamu. In a statement issued on Thursday, ARD President, Dr. John Omotoso, said the suspension followed discussions with key government officials and the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State. According to him, the commitment was made during a meeting attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, and representatives of the NMA. Omotoso said members resolved to suspend the industrial action after reviewing progress made on their demands and receiving assurances that the outstanding professional allowance would be paid within the agreed timeline. As part of the resolution, resident doctors were directed to resume duties from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The association also announced plans to hold an Emergency General Meeting on August 1 to evaluate the government's compliance with its commitments and determine any further action if necessary. Omotoso urged members to report any form of victimisation, intimidation or harassment linked to their participation in the strike, assuring them of the association’s support.
The ARD commended the intervention of the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, noting that the resolution would help prevent disruptions to healthcare delivery and residency training programmes at the state-owned teaching hospital. The doctors had embarked on the warning strike on Tuesday over the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delays in the release of residency training funds, and concerns about welfare and working conditions. Other issues raised by the association included manpower shortages, increased workload, security concerns within the hospital, poor accommodation and call-room facilities, as well as inadequate provision of meals for resident doctors.
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