RESIDENT doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu, Ogun State, have suspended their ongoing 10-day warning strike following assurances from the state government regarding the payment of outstanding professional allowances.
The decision was reached after discussions between representatives of the Ogun State Government and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), alongside officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state.
Government representatives at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka.
Announcing the development in a statement issued after an emergency congress yesterday, ARD President, Dr. John Omotoso, said members agreed to suspend the industrial action after reviewing progress made during negotiations.
According to him, the state government committed to ensuring that the revised professional allowance is paid and reflected in doctors’ accounts on or before July 31, 2026. Based on that assurance, the association directed its members to return to work by 8 a.m. today.
Omotoso noted that the association would closely monitor the government’s compliance with the agreement and has scheduled an Emergency General Meeting for August 1 to assess the situation and determine any further action if necessary.
The association also cautioned against any form of intimidation, harassment, or victimisation of doctors who participated in the strike, urging affected members to report such incidents to the leadership for appropriate intervention.
While commending the state government, particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun, for intervening in the dispute, the doctors stressed the importance of addressing issues that could disrupt healthcare delivery and residency training programmes within the state-owned teaching hospital.
The warning strike was declared earlier this week over several unresolved concerns, including the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delays in the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and worsening welfare conditions for resident doctors.
The doctors had argued that despite issuing a 14-day ultimatum, the government had yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding or provide concrete commitments regarding the payment of allowances and accumulated arrears.
They also raised concerns over severe manpower shortages, which they said have increased workloads, extended working hours, and contributed to burnout among medical personnel.
Other issues highlighted by the association included security lapses within the hospital environment, inadequate accommodation and call-room facilities for doctors, and poor welfare provisions such as substandard call meals.
With the suspension of the strike, medical services are expected to resume fully at the teaching hospital while both parties work toward implementing the agreed resolutions.
