The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has embarked on a seven-day warning strike, citing unresolved issues and neglect by the FCT Administration.
Announcing the action in Abuja, ARD-FCT President Dr George Ebong said the decision followed an emergency general meeting held on Friday, September 5. He explained that despite several rounds of dialogue, critical concerns affecting doctors in the FCT have been ignored.
The issues highlighted include:
- Severe manpower shortages (no employment since 2011).
- Excessive workload and its psychological toll on doctors, which they linked to the recent death of a colleague in Port Harcourt.
- Unpaid salaries and unexplained deductions.
- Poor working conditions in emergency and consulting rooms.
- Safety lapses, including the death of a nurse from a snake bite at Abaji General Hospital.
Dr Ebong described the FCT health system as a “systemic failure requiring urgent reform,” stressing that resident doctors are under immense pressure, often covering multiple departments. He warned that unless the government takes immediate action, the health sector could face collapse.
The association demanded that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, declare a state of emergency on the 14 district and general hospitals in the territory. It further warned that if the issues are not resolved within seven days, members will proceed on an indefinite strike.
Ebong urged the government to involve frontline health workers in decision-making and prioritise reforms in staffing and welfare.
Government Response
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isaq Salako, expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) would prevent a prolonged strike.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Salako noted that the main sticking point is the residency training allowance, about 40 per cent of which for 2025 remains unpaid.
“The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing—we had a meeting on Monday—we are making progress,” he said.
While he stopped short of guaranteeing a resolution before the ultimatum expires, Salako insisted that discussions were ongoing and that government remained hopeful of an agreement.
