The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, has suspended its ongoing 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, which brings temporary relief to patients and healthcare services at the state-owned teaching hospital, was reached after an emergency congress held by the association on Wednesday.
Announcing the resolution, ARD President, Dr. John Omotoso, said the suspension followed a series of productive engagements involving top officials of the Ogun State Government and leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state. According to him, discussions were held with the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, alongside the Ogun State NMA leadership.
After reviewing the government’s commitments and progress made on key demands, members agreed to suspend the industrial action. Dr. Omotoso stated that the association expects the promised payment of professional allowances to be reflected in members’ accounts no later than July 31, 2026.
Following the congress resolution, the association instructed all resident doctors to return to duty immediately. “We hereby direct that our members should resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026,” Omotoso announced.
The OOUTH strike suspension is expected to restore normal medical services and prevent prolonged disruption to healthcare delivery and residency training programmes at the hospital.
Despite suspending the strike, the association indicated that it would continue monitoring the implementation of the government’s commitments. Omotoso disclosed that an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) has been scheduled for August 1, 2026, where members will assess whether the promised payments have been made and determine any further action if necessary.
The association also warned against victimisation or intimidation of doctors who participated in the industrial action. Members were advised to promptly report any incidents of harassment or discrimination to the association’s leadership for appropriate intervention.
The resident doctors commenced the warning strike on Tuesday after expressing dissatisfaction over several unresolved welfare and professional issues.
Among their major concerns were the non-payment of revised professional and specialist allowances, delays in releasing training funds, and worsening working conditions. The doctors argued that a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government had expired without the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding or concrete commitments regarding the implementation of revised allowances and outstanding arrears.
Other grievances included delayed payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, severe manpower shortages, excessive workload, staff burnout, prolonged working hours, recurring security breaches within the hospital, inadequate accommodation facilities, poor call rooms, and insufficient call meal provisions.
The OOUTH strike suspension is expected to ease pressure on healthcare services in Ogun State and prevent disruptions to patient care at one of the state’s major tertiary health institutions.
The association commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for intervening promptly in the dispute, expressing optimism that the commitments made by the government would be fully implemented and help improve the welfare of resident doctors going forward. The coming weeks will now serve as a crucial test of the government’s ability to fulfill its promises and maintain industrial harmony within the health sector.
