Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over alleged threats against doctors participating in the nationwide strike led by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, Chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr. Saheed Babajide, said any form of harassment or punitive action against striking medical personnel would provoke “decisive and unified resistance.”
“We will not hesitate to publish the names of individuals involved in such harassment,” Dr. Babajide said.
Babajide criticised the government’s failure to implement NARD’s 19-point demands, describing the situation as “a clear act of negligence that continues to weaken Nigeria’s health workforce.”
He also condemned LUTH’s recent suspension of free call-duty meals for doctors.
“It is shocking that a federal tertiary hospital that charges patients fees comparable to private hospitals would claim it lacks funds to feed doctors who stay overnight saving lives.”
The Association directed LUTH Chief Medical Director, Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, to immediately restore the meals, insisting it remains “a statutory welfare entitlement, not a privilege.”
The NMA further demanded the immediate reconstitution of Boards of Management for federal tertiary hospitals, and a single, non-renewable five-year tenure for hospital Chief Executives to prevent abuse of office and ensure accountability.
Babajide urged all affiliate bodies to remain mobilised, warning that attempts to undermine doctors’ welfare or intimidate striking personnel would be “resisted collectively.”
“The health of our citizens and the survival of our profession depend on leadership that values people over personal gain.”
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim