OGUN: WE’RE COMMITTED TO DIALOGUE BUT GOVT MUST ALSO SHOW COMMITMENT, SAYS NMA AS IT SUSPEND STRIKE

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter, has suspended its 25-day strike, which has paralysed medical services across state-owned healthcare facilities.

Following emergency general meeting of the association, held between August 27 and August 29, 2024, in Abeokuta, the NMA announced the suspension of the strike on Friday.

The body said the temporary cessation of the strike was intended to facilitate a period of peaceful dialogue with the state government.

While briefing newsmen at the association’s Secretariat in Abeokuta, the State NMA Chairman,
Dr. Ogunjimi Luqman highlighted the primary reasons behind the strike and the recent decision to suspend it.

According to Luqman, the strike was initiated when the state government failed to implement the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) wage, which has been in effect for federal medical workers since June 2023.

He explained that the decision to suspend the strike was motivated by the hardship faced by the public, during the strike period.

He said, “The congress acknowledged the severe impact of the strike on the people of State due to the disruption in medical services.

“We have opted to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow meaningful discussions and negotiations with the state government.”

“The emergency general meeting, which first convened on August 27 and reconvened on August 29, assessed the effectiveness of the strike and reviewed members’ compliance.

“The meeting also considered the progress of negotiation with the state government.

“Despite ongoing efforts by the NMA executives, the issue of wage disparity remains unresolved.”

“The decision to resume work was announced with a clear timeline that doctors are to return to their duties at 8:00 am on Monday, September 2, 2024.

He appealed to the state government to address the association’s demands within the
four-week suspension, to prevent the resumption of the strike.

He added that members of the association will reconvene on September 30, 2024, to evaluate the situation and decide on further actions based on the government’s response.

Dr. Luqman reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “We hope that the state government will use this opportunity to resolve the issues at hand.

“Our members are dedicated to serving the public, but they cannot continue to do so under the current circumstances.

“We expect government to meet our demands and avoid further industrial disharmony.”

He emphasized that the strike was not merely a call for wage adjustments, but also a broader advocacy for the welfare of its members.

Dr. Luqman criticised the state government’s handling of the issue, noting that there had been multiple meetings and discussions over the past year without significant progress.

“We are committed to dialogue, but government must also demonstrate sincerity and commitment to resolving these longstanding issues,” he added.