OOUTH Resident Doctors Suspend Warning Strike After Government Assurances

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, 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 at the ARD Lounge in OOUTH, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the association’s President, Dr John Omotoso.

 

Omotoso said the suspension followed discussions with top 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 officials of the Ogun State NMA.

 

“Following a thorough appraisal of the association’s demands and the progress made thus far, Congress resolved to suspend the ongoing industrial action, with the expectation that payment of the professional allowance will be effected and reflected in members’ accounts on or before July 31, 2026,” Omotoso said.

 

He added that the decision followed constructive engagement with the state government and other stakeholders.

 

The association directed its members to resume work immediately.

 

“We hereby direct that our members should resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026,” he stated.

 

Omotoso said an Emergency General Meeting would be held on August 1, 2026, to review the government’s compliance with its commitments and determine the next course of action.

 

He also warned against any victimisation, intimidation or harassment of doctors for participating in the industrial action.

 

“Members are advised to promptly report any act of victimisation, intimidation or harassment to the leadership of the association for appropriate intervention,” he said.

 

The association commended the intervention of the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, noting that the resolution would help avert disruptions to healthcare services and residency training programmes at the hospital.

 

The resident doctors had commenced the warning strike on Tuesday over the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delayed release of training funds and deteriorating welfare conditions.

 

Other concerns raised included delays in the payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, acute manpower shortages, security challenges within the hospital environment, poor accommodation and call room facilities, and inadequate provision of call meals for resident doctors.