The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has raised the alarm that the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) could trigger broader disruptions in the state's healthcare system.
The strike, now in its second day, was declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of LASUTH after its 19th Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference. Members voted to withdraw services over long-standing welfare concerns that the state government hasn't addressed.
ARD president Alaba Akirele said the government didn't respond adequately despite repeated engagements and ultimatums. He warned that further industrial action remains possible if the situation doesn't improve.
The doctors are demanding the immediate resumption of construction of the Resident Doctors' Quarters at LASUTH, urgent implementation of the revised professional allowance structure for doctors in Lagos State, and payment of specialist allowances to eligible Senior Registrar doctors.
The warning strike runs from Monday night, 15 June, to Friday, 19 June. The association cautioned that continued inaction could escalate the dispute.
In a statement on Thursday, NMA Lagos Chairman Ewonowo Sunday described the situation as "deeply unfortunate but avoidable." He blamed prolonged delays in negotiations between the state government and the doctors 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," he said.
The NMA outlined several unresolved issues at the centre of the dispute: delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears, and weak welfare support for medical trainees.
Other demands include the completion of the Resident Doctors' Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH, payment of specialist allowances to eligible senior registrars, and settlement of outstanding promotion arrears.
The doctors also want approval and release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, and strengthened security measures for healthcare workers and patients within LASUTH and across Lagos State health facilities.
The NMA warned that the LASUTH dispute reflects a pattern of unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors across Nigeria's health system. Similar tensions have been reported at other tertiary hospitals, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where doctors have raised concerns over working conditions.
The association also referenced a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to the federal government over unpaid allowances, residency funding, and related entitlements. It said the recurrence of such disputes points to a systemic challenge that could trigger coordinated industrial action across the country's health sector if left unaddressed.
The NMA urged the Lagos State government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and hospital management authorities to intervene urgently. It stressed that sustained delays in addressing welfare concerns risk weakening healthcare delivery and lowering morale among medical professionals.
Despite its warnings, the NMA Lagos leadership called on resident doctors to remain calm and professional while discussions continue. It reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement to restore industrial harmony and ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery across Lagos State.