The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has declared an indefinite strike effective Monday, September 15, 2025, following the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.
Announcing the decision at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the strike was agreed upon after a congress of its members held on Sunday.
He emphasized that the action was not directed at FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, or any individual, but against what the doctors described as a failing health system in the nation’s capital.
“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially. The Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike. This is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system,” Ebong said.
The doctors cited several grievances including:
- Non-payment of salary arrears for members employed since 2023.
- Failure to recruit new doctors despite a worsening manpower crisis.
- Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS upward review yet to be paid.
- Persistent salary deductions and irregular payments.
- Delays in promotion exercises since 2023.
- Non-payment of accoutrement and hazard allowances.
- Poor state of FCTA hospitals, many of which lack basic equipment.
In a communiqué issued after its emergency general meeting on September 14, ARD-FCTA accused the government of “chronic neglect of the healthcare system,” warning that both doctors and patients remain endangered under the current conditions.
The resolutions adopted by Congress include demands for immediate settlement of outstanding arrears, commencement of recruitment of new doctors before the end of 2025, payment of MRTF, and urgent renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals.
“Congress shall embark on an indefinite strike action commencing at 8:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2025, until government and management demonstrate genuine commitment to making health in the FCT a priority,” the communiqué stated.
The doctors said they hoped the administration would urgently address the issues “for the sake of our patients and ourselves.”