Abuja Resident Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has announced the commencement of an indefinite strike following the refusal of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address their long-standing demands.

The strike, which began on Monday, September 15, 2025, was confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong. He emphasized that the action was not directed at the minister personally but against the persistent failure of the health sector in the nation’s capital.

Dr. Ebong highlighted that despite months of dialogue, the government has failed to address both financial and non-financial issues affecting doctors. He cited unpaid salaries, unemployment, arbitrary deductions, lack of promotions since 2023, and inadequate hospital facilities as reasons for the strike.

β€œThis decision follows the resolution of our congress. Until the government meets our demands, we will remain on indefinite strike. It is not targeted at the minister or any individual but at a failed health system. We call on the FCT Minister to act urgently,” he stated.

The strike comes after a seven-day warning strike which ended without progress from the FCTA.

CommuniquΓ© of ARD-FCTA After Emergency General Meeting (14th September 2025)

Observations:
Congress expressed disappointment that none of its demands have been met despite repeated engagements. Key issues noted include:

  • Non-payment of salary arrears (1–6 months) to doctors employed since 2023.
  • Lack of recruitment despite an acute manpower shortage causing severe strain on existing staff.
  • Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
  • Failure to implement the 25/35% CONMESS upward review, despite federal approval.
  • Absence of timelines for skipping and conversion, leaving arrears unpaid.
  • Unexplained deductions and irregular salary payments.
  • Delayed promotions since 2023, stalling career progression.
  • Non-payment of the 2025 accoutrement allowance.
  • Stagnation of Fellows denied elevation to Consultant cadre for over five years.
  • Unpaid wage award arrears.
  • Unpaid 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
  • Decaying state of FCTA hospitals, with poor infrastructure and lack of equipment.

Resolutions:
After extensive deliberation, Congress resolved to embark on an indefinite strike from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, until the government demonstrates genuine commitment to revamping healthcare in the FCT. The demands include:

  1. Immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears to members employed since 2023.
  2. Urgent recruitment of new doctors, with written timelines before the end of 2025.
  3. Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF.
  4. Stoppage of erroneous deductions and correction of salary irregularities.
  5. Clear timelines for skipping and conversion within one month.
  6. Signing of an MoU mandating skipping within three months of employment.
  7. Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultants within six months.
  8. Release of promotion timelines and payment of arrears within one year.
  9. Immediate payment of wage award arrears.
  10. Implementation of the 25/35% CONMESS review arrears.
  11. Renovation, equipping, and upgrading of FCTA hospitals.
  12. Payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
  13. Settlement of arrears owed to 2025 external residents.

The doctors urged the FCTA to act swiftly, stressing that the strike will continue indefinitely until their demands are met in the interest of both healthcare workers and patients.