The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has confirmed that part of the outstanding salaries and allowances owed to its members has been paid.
However, the association says its indefinite strike in solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will continue until all pending demands specific to FCTA doctors are fully addressed.
ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that 28 doctors who had been owed salary arrears ranging from one month to one year were paid two nights ago.
He added that some doctors also received their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), though 47 out of the 150 doctors entitled to the payment were yet to be paid.
Dr. Ebong commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for initiating the implementation of their demands but emphasized that the move was only a partial step toward resolving the broader issues that led to the strike.
“Two nights ago, the 28 doctors who had been owed their salary arrears for more than two years, ranging between one month to one year, were paid,” he said.
“Also, the MRTF of some doctors was paid. Out of 150 doctors owed, only 103 received payment, leaving a remainder of 47 still unpaid.”
Ebong confirmed that regular salaries were also paid on Tuesday, describing the gesture as “a beginning of the implementation of demands.”
While expressing appreciation to the FCT minister and the National Assembly for ongoing dialogue, Ebong insisted that the strike will continue until all conditions are met.
He also urged the government to adopt a proactive approach in addressing doctors’ welfare concerns to avoid frequent disruptions in the health sector.
The association listed the conditions that must be fulfilled before calling off the strike, including:
- Immediate payment of MRTF for the remaining 47 doctors.
- Payment of salaries owed to external resident doctors (6–7 months).
- Settlement of long-standing skipping and promotion arrears.
- Payment of post-Part II conversion arrears.
- Implementation of the 25%/35% CONMESS adjustment as applied in federal institutions.
- Payment of the approved wage award.
- Settlement of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears dating back to 2021.
- Immediate employment of additional healthcare workers.
- Improvement of working conditions across FCTA health facilities.
Ebong reaffirmed the association’s commitment to dialogue, expressing hope that a lasting resolution would soon be reached to restore normalcy in the FCTA health system.