Abuja Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike as FCT Minister Wike Fails to Address Demands
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 15,2025
Abuja, Nigeria – September 15, 2025: The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has commenced an indefinite strike after accusing the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of failing to address their long-standing demands.
The strike, which officially began on Monday, September 15, 2025, follows the expiration of a seven-day warning strike earlier this month.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, emphasized that the strike was not directed personally at the minister but at what he described as “a collapsed health system” in the nation’s capital.
He noted that members of the association have endured non-payment of salaries, unexplained deductions, delays in promotions, and a lack of essential hospital equipment.
“The Congress voted for an indefinite strike until our demands are met. This is not against the minister, but against a failed health system that continues to endanger both doctors and patients,” Dr. Ebong said.
Key Demands of ARD-FCTA:
- Immediate payment of salary arrears owed to doctors employed since 2023.
- Recruitment of additional doctors to address manpower shortages.
- Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Release of promotion arrears and implementation of career progression timelines.
- Payment of wage awards, hazard allowance arrears, and accoutrement allowance.
- Urgent renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to global standards.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting on Sunday, September 14, ARD-FCTA members expressed disappointment that none of their demands had been addressed, despite months of dialogue with the government.
The doctors vowed not to return to work until the FCT administration shows “genuine commitment” to resolving the crisis in the health sector.
This latest strike action raises fresh concerns over the state of healthcare delivery in Abuja, where patients already face challenges accessing functional hospitals and essential medical services.
