NARD threatens indefinite strike at LUTH over call meal dispute

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By Chioma Obinna

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over the hospital’s continued failure to restore call meals for resident doctors.

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The association warned that the dispute, which it said has lingered for months, could disrupt healthcare services at one of Nigeria’s busiest tertiary hospitals if urgent action is not taken.

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In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD accused the LUTH management of ignoring repeated complaints and a formal ultimatum issued earlier this month.

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The association recalled that in a letter dated June 8, 2026, it formally notified the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare about the continued non-provision of call meals for resident doctors, following resolutions reached at its May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.

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According to NARD, the resolution gave the LUTH management three weeks from June 6 to restore the provision of call meals or face industrial action.

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The association said the hospital had failed to act despite the warning.

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“The refusal to provide call meals to doctors who render essential and emergency healthcare services round the clock is not only insensitive and unacceptable but also a direct affront to basic standards of staff welfare, workplace dignity and institutional responsibility,” the statement read.

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NARD described the issue as a longstanding welfare concern, arguing that doctors working prolonged and demanding shifts should not be denied a basic welfare entitlement.

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It warned that the continued absence of call meals has adversely affected the morale, wellbeing and productivity of resident doctors, with potential implications for patient care and emergency response.

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“It is intolerable that doctors who undertake prolonged and demanding call duties in one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institutions are still being denied such a basic welfare provision,” the association said.

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The union further noted that the dispute comes at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare sector is already grappling with manpower shortages, heavy workloads and the continued migration of medical professionals abroad.

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NARD disclosed that the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH, at an emergency congress held on June 17, unanimously resolved to align with the national body and prepare for a total and indefinite strike if the issue remains unresolved.

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The association called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to intervene and direct the Chief Medical Director of LUTH to restore the provision of call meals without further delay.

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It also cautioned against the victimisation or intimidation of doctors for participating in lawful union activities.

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NARD warned that failure to resolve the dispute before the expiration of its ultimatum would leave it with no option but to activate its strike directive, a move it said could significantly affect healthcare delivery at LUTH.

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