FCT Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

By Babatunji Wusu

• Strike begins September 15 after months of stalled dialogue
• Issues include non-payment, salary cuts, delayed promotions, poor facilities
• ARD-FCTA urges Minister Wike to intervene in collapsing health sector

Doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), have embarked on an indefinite strike following the refusal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address their demands.

The strike, which began on Monday after a Sunday congress, was confirmed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, during a press conference in Abuja. He clarified that the action was not directed at the minister personally, but at the worsening state of healthcare in the FCT.

“The government has ignored both our financial and non-financial demands. Despite months of dialogue, there has been no response. Congress has therefore resolved that we proceed on indefinite strike until our concerns are addressed,” Ebong said.

The association’s grievances include the non-payment of 26 members despite seven months of negotiations, unexplained salary deductions, unemployment affecting service delivery, delayed promotions since 2023, and poor hospital infrastructure, with some facilities lacking even basic equipment such as X-ray machines.

Ebong called on Wike to urgently intervene, warning that the strike will not be suspended until tangible action is taken.

This indefinite strike follows a seven-day warning strike earlier declared by the association.