The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has announced the suspension of its indefinite strike, confirming that members will resume work on Monday at 8 a.m.
Speaking to our correspondent on Friday, the association’s President, Dr. George Ebong, explained that the decision to temporarily halt the strike came after interventions from the Senate. However, he emphasized that none of the doctors’ demands have been met to date.
The ARD-FCTA represents doctors working across the 14 district and general hospitals, including the Department of Public Health under the FCTA.
The doctors initiated the warning strike last Monday to press their demands following months of stalled negotiations with the FCTA.
Their demands include payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months owed to members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and arrears arising from the 25–35 percent upward revision of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
Additionally, they seek clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes for all members, resolution of ongoing erroneous salary deductions, and rectification of irregular and erratic salary payments.
The doctors are also calling for the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre within six months of passing, documented timelines for promotion exercises with full arrears paid, and payment of wage award arrears.
Further demands include the renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to world-class standards, settlement of outstanding hazard allowance arrears, and payment of salary arrears owed to newly employed external residents, some of whom are owed three to four months’ pay.
“We are suspending the strike and will resume work at 8 a.m. on Monday,” Dr. Ebong stated.
He added, “The Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by David Jimkuta, intervened. Although none of our demands have been met yet, they assured us that they will engage with the minister. The Congress has chosen to trust the Senate’s commitment. We also appreciate the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his interventions.”
Dr. Ebong concluded, “The Congress will reconvene to assess progress within the agreed timeframe. Should there be no meaningful action, we will determine the next course of action.”
