Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries and poor welfare conditions, following the government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), Dr George Ebong, announced the strike at a press conference in Abuja, alongside other executive members of the association.
The union had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on 28 August, calling on the FCT Administration to urgently address key challenges in the health sector. This was followed by a warning strike on 8 September, with a threat to embark on indefinite action if their demands were ignored.
“After reassessing the demands presented to the management of FCT hospitals, the congress noted with deep disappointment that none has been met. This confirms our fears of chronic neglect of the healthcare system in the FCT,” Dr. Ebong said.
He stressed that the strike was not targeted at any individual, including the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, or the Secretary of Health Services and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, but was a protest against systemic failure in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Ebong explained that the doctors were demanding the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, including those owed to 26 members for more than seven months. They also want the government to commence the recruitment of new doctors with time-bound commitments before the end of 2025, and to ensure the timely payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
The association further called for the correction of irregular salary payments and the stoppage of erroneous deductions. They demanded the prompt conversion and promotion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre, as well as the payment of wage award arrears and adjustments to the CONMESS salary structure.
In addition, the doctors urged the FCT Administration to prioritise the renovation and upgrading of its hospitals. They also insisted on the immediate payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and the settlement of arrears owed to 2025 external residents.
“The strike will continue until the government demonstrates genuine commitment to resolving this crisis,” Dr. Ebong added.
