FCT Resident Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Health System Failures

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has declared an indefinite strike beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, following what they described as the government’s failure to address their long-standing demands.

                                   

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong said the strike was not a personal attack on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike or any individual, but a direct response to the crisis in Abuja’s health system.

According to Dr. Ebong, the decision was taken after a congress of members on Sunday, September 14. The doctors cited:

• Non-payment of 26 doctors despite seven months of dialogue

• Unemployment issues, reducing available staff to serve patients

• Unexplained salary deductions and stalled promotions since 2023

• Lack of basic hospital equipment, including X-ray machines in some facilities

• Poor overall working conditions in FCT hospitals

He emphasized:

“This is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system. The Congress voted for an indefinite strike until our demands are met.”

The latest action follows the conclusion of a seven-day warning strike, which ended without significant government response.

The congress resolution, released as a communiqué after the 14th September 2025 Emergency General Meeting, formalized the decision to begin an indefinite strike immediately.

The strike is expected to disrupt services in FCT hospitals, putting pressure on already strained facilities. Key concerns include:

• Patient care delays, especially for urgent and specialized cases

• Further erosion of confidence in the public health system

• A possible ripple effect on other unions within the medical sector

The ARD-FCTA has urged the FCT Minister to “do the needful” by addressing both financial and non-financial demands.