The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
In a press release dated 12 September and signed by its President, Mohammad Suleiman, NARD called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Ministry of Health to step in.
NARD stated it is in "full solidarity" with the Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH-ARD), and supports their demands.
The association explained that unresolved welfare issues had disrupted medical services at the tertiary hospital.
It urged the state government to address the doctors’ concerns and "avert a prolonged crisis" that could harm healthcare in Lagos.
Doctors’ demands
NARD listed the unresolved issues which include the non-payment of specialist allowance for Grade Level 14 resident doctors, also known as Senior Registrars 1 (SR1).
The association also pointed out outstanding salary shortfalls and advancement arrears, plus 25 months of arrears from delays in implementing the revised Professional Allowance Table.
NARD raised concerns about unfairness in recent salary payments, demanding the immediate release of full salary breakdowns for clarity.
The association noted that these issues continued despite previous agreements with the state government.
“Our colleagues at LASUTH have shown immense patience and dedication, but the constant failure to keep agreements leaves them with no choice,” NARD said.
It urged the government to meet the demands and restore normal medical operations soon.
Background
The latest strike comes after earlier disagreements between LASUTH resident doctors and the Lagos State government over welfare and payment issues.
LASUTH-ARD had gone on a three-day warning strike from 15 to 17 June 2026, raising concerns about the Professional Allowance Table, payment of specialist allowance to Grade Level 14 resident doctors, salary shortfalls, and advancement arrears.
The doctors also called for the construction of resident doctors’ quarters within LASUTH to resume.
After the warning strike, the doctors reported several meetings with government officials, with promises that the specialist allowance for SR1 doctors would be included in the Professional Allowance Table.
LASUTH-ARD said this was discussed with Governor Sanwo-Olu during a meeting on 17 July.
However, the doctors later claimed the specialist allowance was missing from the August salaries of affected members, leading to more disagreements with the government.
In August, LASUTH-ARD gave the Lagos State government a seven-day ultimatum to sort out the issues, warning that failure to do so could lead to more industrial action.
The association demanded the implementation and payment of the specialist allowance, outstanding arrears, and resolution of salary shortfalls and advancement arrears.
NARD warns against escalation
NARD stressed that the Lagos State government must take the industrial action seriously to avoid further escalation.
The association called on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state Ministry of Health to intervene directly and resolve the outstanding issues.
It warned that continued delays could affect patient care and stability in the health system.
“NARD stands shoulder-to-shoulder with LASUTH-ARD until the issue is fully resolved,” the association said.
The doctors’ association urged the government to address the grievances and restore normal medical operations throughout the health system.
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