The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has initiated an indefinite strike action, effective Monday, September 15, 2025, over what they describe as the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s failure to address their demands. The decision follows a week-long warning strike that saw no resolution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Dr. George Ebong, a representative for the group, stated that the strike is not a personal attack on the minister but a protest against the “failed health system” in the nation’s capital.
“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially,” he said. “The Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike.”
In a communiqué issued after their emergency general meeting, the resident doctors listed a series of grievances, painting a stark picture of a healthcare system in crisis. Their demands include:
- Salary Arrears: Immediate payment of up to six months of outstanding salaries owed to members hired since 2023.
- Manpower Shortage: The doctors cited an “unbearable” physical, emotional, and psychological strain due to a severe lack of staff, which they say has led to “avoidable stress-related deaths” among medical professionals.
- Unpaid Allowances: The doctors are demanding the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which is essential for their professional development, as well as a 13-month backlog of hazard allowance.
- Widespread Neglect: The communiqué also noted the “deplorable state of FCTA hospitals,” which are described as lacking essential equipment, consumables, and basic functionality.
The strike comes at a time of heightened concern over the welfare of healthcare workers and the quality of public health services in Nigeria. The ARD-FCTA hopes the indefinite action will compel the FCT administration to address their demands and prioritize the health sector.
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