FCT Doctors Begin Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Warn of Total Shutdown

Kehinde Fajobi

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved demands, paralysing government hospitals across Abuja.

The strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued by the doctors last year.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, ARD FCTA President Dr George Ebong expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of doctors’ welfare and healthcare facilities in the capital city.

“The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja, from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others,” Ebong said.

He continued, “We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands. After that, we met with them and dialogued on several occasions.

“They pleaded for two weeks, but after that elapsed, nothing has been done—not even the minimum. We expected them to pay the six months of unpaid arrears owed to doctors.”

Ebong lamented that doctors in Abuja have been treated as “abandoned projects” and urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to address their grievances to avoid an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.

“Just as the roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister. After this three-day strike, we will do an appraisal. If nothing is done, we will go on an indefinite strike,” he warned.

In December 2024, ARD FCTA had similarly warned of an impending shutdown over the failure to meet their demands.