Ondo Doctors Begin Three-Day Warning Strike Over Alleged Government Neglect

Government-employed doctors in Ondo State, under the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), have embarked on a three-day warning strike starting Monday, July 14, 2025.

The strike follows what the doctors describe as the Ondo State Government’s continued neglect of the health sector and failure to address their welfare concerns.

In a joint statement signed by the state NAGGMDP chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors outlined several grievances, including:

• Shortage of medical personnel, with some general hospitals operating with just one doctor per entire local government area.
• The doctors also condemned a sudden increase in taxation from April 2025 without prior consultation
• Non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight newly recruited doctors employed since October 2024
• Unpaid hazard allowances for October to December 2023 and January 2024
• Outstanding promotion arrears from June to December 2024
• Salary shortfalls and unpaid allowances for other members

The association is demanding immediate steps from the state government to:

• Immediate recruitment of more doctors across Ondo State
• Full payment of salary arrears and statutory allowances
• Reversal of the new tax regime
• Payment of outstanding salaries and allowances for newly employed officers
• Payment of owed hazard allowances and settlement of promotion arrears for eligible members

The group warned that if the government fails to meet their demands during the warning strike, they will be forced to begin an indefinite strike, which could further strain the already struggling healthcare system in the state.

They reassured the public of their dedication to quality healthcare but stressed that they can no longer continue working under the current difficult and demoralizing conditions.

The NAGGMDP noted that it had previously given the government a 14-working-day ultimatum, which expired on July 1, 2025, without any meaningful response.

This  comes weeks after the Federal High Court in Abuja was shut down due to an indefinite strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).