by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has declared an indefinite strike beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, following the refusal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address long-standing grievances.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision was reached after an emergency congress held on Sunday. He stressed that the action is not directed at the minister personally but against the continued collapse of the healthcare system in the nation’s capital.
“Our strike is not targeted at the minister or mandate secretary but at a failed health system. The FCTA has refused to listen, and Congress has mandated that until they do, we will remain on strike,” Ebong said.
The doctors had earlier embarked on a seven-day warning strike, which ended without progress. Their grievances include:
- Non-payment of salaries and arrears owed to 26 members since 2023, ranging from one to six months.
- Lack of recruitment of new doctors despite acute manpower shortages.
- Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Delay in implementing the 25/35% CONMESS salary review and wage award arrears.
- Unexplained salary deductions and irregular payments.
- Stagnant promotions since 2023 and denial of conversion of fellows to consultant cadre.
- Non-payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
- Decaying infrastructure in FCTA hospitals, many of which lack basic equipment such as X-rays.
The doctors resolved to continue the strike until all demands are met, including urgent hospital upgrades, immediate settlement of outstanding allowances, and a written timeline for recruitment and career progression.
“We call on the Minister of the FCT to act decisively. Until then, our members will not return to work,” the communiqué concluded.