Medical doctors under the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Ondo State have commenced a three-day warning strike starting Monday, July 14, 2025, in protest against what they describe as longstanding neglect of the state’s health sector and the welfare of medical professionals.
In a statement signed by the association’s chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors expressed deep frustration over a range of unresolved issues, including poor staffing, unpaid salaries, and allowances.
According to the association, some general hospitals in the state are operating with just one doctor covering entire local government areas. The doctors also decried a sharp and unexplained hike in taxation implemented in April 2025 without prior dialogue.
Other grievances outlined by the NAGGMDP include:
- Non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight newly employed doctors since their recruitment in October 2024
- Outstanding hazard allowances from October to December 2023 and January 2024
- Unpaid promotion arrears from June to December 2024
- Salary shortfalls and other unremitted allowances for existing staff
The doctors are demanding urgent action from the state government, including:
- Immediate recruitment of more medical personnel
- Full payment of salary arrears and statutory allowances
- Reversal of the recent tax regime
- Settlement of salaries and allowances for the newly recruited officers
- Payment of owed hazard allowances and pending promotion arrears
The union warned that failure to address their demands within the three-day window would trigger an indefinite strike, which could severely disrupt healthcare delivery across the state.
Despite the industrial action, the doctors reiterated their commitment to public health, but said the current working conditions have become untenable.
The NAGGMDP noted that a 14-working-day ultimatum was earlier issued to the Ondo State Government, which expired on July 1, 2025, without any meaningful response.
