Doctors’ Strike: NMA Warns Lagosians At Risk

The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed concern over the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The NMA warned that the industrial action could escalate into a wider healthcare disruption if urgent steps are not taken.

On June 15, LASUTH Resident Doctors embarked on a three-day strike following the State Government and relevant authorities’ failure to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel in the hospital.

The NMA, in a statement on Thursday by its Chairman, Dr Ewonowo Sunday, noted that the development is deeply unfortunate but avoidable, blaming prolonged delays in negotiations for the breakdown in industrial harmony.

“We view this development with deep concern. Regrettably, this crisis was avoidable if all concerned stakeholders had been more proactive and responsive in addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the resident doctors,” the statement read.

The association highlighted the grievances of LASUTH resident doctors to include delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears and inadequate welfare support for training doctors.

Among other issues are, the urgent completion of the new Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, payment of specialist allowances to eligible senior registrars, settlement of outstanding promotion arrears, and approval of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

“The issues that culminated in the warning strike include: ‎Immediate commencement, construction, and timely completion of the newly modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH. ‎Urgent conclusion and implementation of the revised Professional Allowance for doctors in Lagos State.

“Payment of Specialist Allowance to all eligible Senior Registrar I doctors at LASUTH. ‎Immediate payment of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears owed to members. ‎Prompt conclusion, approval, and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors.

“‎Payment of Teaching Allowance to all Registrars and House Officers at LASUTH. ‎Strengthening of security measures and protection for healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities across LASUTH and Lagos State. The doctors are also demanding the payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, as well as improved security measures within the hospital environment.

“These issues are not new. They are long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers,” the statement noted.

The association referenced ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, which has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, residency training funds, and other welfare issues affecting medical practitioners nationwide, warning that the situation in Lagos reflects a broader national pattern, as resident doctors across the country continue to issue ultimatums over similar unresolved welfare concerns.

It also cited similar disputes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where doctors have demanded improved working conditions, including the provision of call meals for doctors on duty. NMA warned that failure to resolve these issues could trigger a chain reaction of industrial actions that may severely disrupt healthcare delivery across Lagos and beyond.

The association further urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and hospital management authorities to engage urgently with striking doctors to prevent further escalation.

“We therefore call on the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the management of LASUTH and LUTH, and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and constructively to address all outstanding welfare issues,” NMA urged.

It further stated, “A motivated and adequately supported workforce remains indispensable to the attainment of optimal healthcare outcomes.”