Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, under the ARD FCTA, are on a three-day warning strike due to unmet demands, including unpaid salaries and allowances.
The strike, which began on January 22, 2025, has affected healthcare services at government hospitals across Abuja, including major facilities in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, and others.
Dr. George Ebong, the President of ARD FCTA, addressed the media on Wednesday, revealing that the decision to strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued by the association in December 2024.
Despite several dialogues with the authorities, the doctors expressed frustration over the lack of significant action to address their concerns, including the payment of six months’ worth of unpaid salaries.
In his statement, Dr. Ebong emphasized that the welfare of doctors has been grossly neglected, leading to the current industrial action.
He urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to intervene urgently to prevent an indefinite strike.
“We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands, and 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 thing,” Dr. Ebong said.
The strike, which has grounded activities in multiple hospitals, is also driven by other demands, including the clearance of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund, the implementation of skipping for doctors employed in 2023, and the immediate payment of accoutrements allowances for 2024, as well as outstanding hazard allowances.
Doctors also voiced their concerns over the delay in the payment of 13 months’ worth of arrears.
“The doctors have been abandoned,” Dr. Ebong remarked. “Just as roads are being constructed in the capital, the welfare of doctors should also be prioritized by the government.”
The ARD FCTA’s current action is a warning, with the possibility of escalating to an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.
Dr. Ebong warned that without timely intervention from the FCT Minister, the doctors would be forced to take further drastic steps, which would lead to a complete shutdown of hospitals in the capital.
This strike follows a similar warning issued in December 2024, when the association gave the FCT government a 14-day ultimatum, which lapsed on January 6, 2025.
However, despite meetings and promises from government representatives, the situation remains unresolved.