Abuja Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike, List Unresolved Issues

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), on Monday declared an indefinite strike over the refusal of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to address their long-standing demands.

The strike, which took effect from 8 am 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 action was not targeted at the minister personally but against what he described as a “failed health system” in the nation’s capital.

“The Government of FCTA has refused to listen; the Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike starting this morning. This is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system,” Ebong said.

Ebong listed some of the grievances to include the non-payment of 26 members despite seven months of dialogue, unexplained salary deductions, and stagnated promotions since 2023.

He also lamented the poor state of facilities in FCTA hospitals. “Some of the hospitals do not have X-rays. Hospitals are not favourable for working,” he said.

Communique Lists 12 Unresolved Issues

In a communiqué issued after its emergency congress on Sunday, September 14, the association accused the government of chronic neglect of the health sector.

Among unresolved issues are:

1. Non-payment of salary arrears owed to members employed since 2023.
2. Failure to recruit new doctors despite a manpower crisis.
3. Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
4. Unpaid arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review.
5. Persistent salary deductions and irregular payments.
6. Promotion delays since 2023.
7. Non-payment of hazard allowance arrears for 13 months.
8. Decay and lack of equipment in FCTA hospitals.

Naija News reports that the doctors demanded immediate payment of all arrears, urgent recruitment of new doctors, implementation of promotion exercises, and the renovation of FCT hospitals.

They warned that the strike would continue indefinitely until the government demonstrates “genuine commitment” to making healthcare in the FCT a priority.