Doctors under the umbrella of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), have commenced an indefinite strike following what they described as the refusal of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the administration to address their demands.
The strike, which began on Monday, September 15, 2025, follows the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision was reached after a congress of members on Sunday.
“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially,” he said. “The Government of FCTA has refused to listen; the Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike starting from this morning, Monday, September 15th, 2025.
“This is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system. We call on the Minister of FCT to do the needful. The Congress voted for an indefinite strike until our demands are met.”
Ebong highlighted grievances including the non-payment of 26 members after seven months of dialogue, unemployment challenges, unexplained salary deductions, delayed promotions since 2023, and poor hospital infrastructure.
“Some of the hospitals do not have X-rays. Hospitals are not favourable for working,” he added.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting on Sunday, September 14, 2025, the doctors listed 12 major observations, among them:
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Continued non-payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months since 2023.
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Failure to recruit new doctors despite a worsening manpower crisis.
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Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
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Delayed promotions and career progression.
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Non-payment of hazard allowance arrears for 13 months.
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The deplorable condition of FCTA hospitals, which they described as “shadows of decay rather than centres of excellence.”
Following what they termed “passionate and historic deliberations,” the congress resolved that the strike will continue until government demonstrates “genuine commitment” to prioritising healthcare in the FCT.
Their demands include immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, recruitment of doctors, correction of irregular salary deductions, release of promotion timelines, payment of wage awards, and urgent renovation and equipping of hospitals.
“We do hope that the management will do the urgent needful to meet all of our demands for the sake of our patients and ourselves,” the communiqué concluded.
