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Due to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s failure to meet their demands, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has declared an indefinite strike.
The strike is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Dr. George Ebong stated during a press conference in Abuja on Monday that the decision came after a congress of its members on Sunday.
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He emphasised that the strike is directed against the nation’s capital’s failing health system, not the minister or any individual.
Both financial and non-financial obligations must be met by the government.
Since the FCTA government has not listened, the Congress has ordered that we go on strike beginning this morning, Monday, September 15, 2025, until they do.
“This is directed at a failing health system, not the minister or mandate secretary.
“We urge the FCT Minister to take the necessary action.
“An indefinite strike until our demands are met was approved by the Congress.
26 of our members have not been paid following a protracted seven-month discussion.
“The service we provide to our patients has been impacted by the unemployment problem. wage and promotion deductions that haven’t been addressed since 2023.
There are several hospitals without X-ray machines. Hospitals are not good places to work.
Following the conclusion of ARD-FCTA’s seven-day warning strike, the indefinite strike has begun.
View the entire communiqué:
The Association of Resident Physicians’ FCTA communiqué was released after
THE 14TH SEPTEMBER 2025 EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING
Observations
After reassessing the demands earlier presented to management, Congress noted with deep disappointment that none of our demands have been addressed.
This once again confirms our fears of the chronic neglect of our healthcare system affecting the effectiveness of the medical doctors in order to carry out care of the highest standard.
Following exhaustive deliberations at the close of the 7-day warning strike, Congress made the
The following findings:
1. Continued non-payment of salary arrears (ranging from 1 to 6 months) owed to members
employed since 2023, despite repeated engagements with management.
2. Zero effort towards the recruitment of new doctors, despite the obvious manpower crisis that has subjected our members to unbearable physical, emotional, and psychological strain – resulting in avoidable stress-related deaths. The lives of physicians and patients are still in jeopardy.
3. The 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has not been paid, leaving members
debts while finding it difficult to fulfil their required training requirements.
4. Non-payment of arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS upward review, despite the Federal
The government having commenced payment.
5. Absence of clear and documented timelines for skipping and conversion of members, with
arrears yet unpaid.
6. Persistent and unexplained deductions alongside irregular salary payments, which are
demoralising and insulting to healthcare workers.
7. Delays in promotion exercises since 2023, thereby denying members their rightful career
progression and financial entitlements.
8. Non-payment of the 2025 accoutrement allowance, a paltry N8,000 monthly entitlement that
should not require agitation.
9. Stagnation of newly qualified Fellows who remain denied advancement to the Consultant
cadre, some for over five years, despite repeated engagements with management.
10. Non-payment of wage award arrears, with no communication on when this will be addressed.
11. Non-payment of 13 months Hazard allowance arrears, further proof of deliberate disregard
for the safety and welfare of doctors.
12. The deplorable state of FCTA hospitals, which are now shadows of decay rather than centres of excellence, lacking equipment, consumables, and basic functionality.
RESOLUTIONS
After the most passionate and historic deliberations in ARD-FCTA, Congress unanimously resolved as follows:
1. Congress shall embark on an indefinite strike action commencing at 8:00am, Monday, 15th.
September 2025, until government and management demonstrate genuine commitment to
making health in the FCT a priority.
2. Immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears to members employed since 2023.
3. Immediate commencement of recruitment of new doctors, with written, time-bound
commitments to conclude before the end of 2025. This is of utmost urgency.
4. Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF for doctors’ medical training.
5. Immediate stoppage of all erroneous deductions and correction of irregular salary payments
6. Documented timelines for skipping and conversion to be fully concluded within one (1) month.
7. Signing of an MOU mandating skipping of members within three (3) months of employment.
Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six (6) months of passing-
9. Release of promotion timelines and full payment of arrears within one (1)
10. Immediate payment of wage award arrears, as already done for colleagues at federal and state
levels.
11. Immediate payment of arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS review
12. Urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of all FCTA hospitals to globally acceptablevstandards.
13. Immediate payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
14. Immediate payment of all arrears owed to 2025 external residents.
We do hope that the management will do the urgent needful to meet all of our demands for the sake of our patients and ourselves.