I Gave Them Everything They Wanted – Wike Opens Up On FCT Doctors’ Crisis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he has approved all the demands of resident doctors in the territory, which had earlier triggered their strike.

Speaking on Friday during the flag-off of the construction of the Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring III on Shehu Yar’Adua Way by Life Camp, Abuja, Wike instructed the FCT Acting Head of Service and his Senior Special Adviser on Administration, Samuel Atang, to ensure the full implementation of the approvals.

The minister also praised the doctors for suspending their strike, describing the move as a decision in the best interest of patients and the entire FCT.

“I must commend the resident doctors for calling off the strike. The administration is happy with their understanding. I have signed all the doctors’ requests on my table today,” Wike stated.

It will be recalled that resident doctors had embarked on strike on September 15, 2025, after months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA. The industrial action, which commenced at 8 a.m. that Monday, followed the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.

Addressing the press in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, clarified that the strike was not a personal attack on the minister but a protest against what he described as the “failed health system” in the capital.

Ebong outlined key grievances including the non-payment of 26 members despite seven months of dialogue, unexplained salary deductions, and stagnated promotions since 2023. He also lamented the deplorable state of facilities in FCTA hospitals.

However, on Friday, the Association of Resident Doctors of the FCT (ARD-FCT) announced the suspension of the strike, bringing relief to patients after days of disrupted medical services.

Dr. Ebong confirmed that doctors would resume duty on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8 a.m., noting that the decision followed the intervention of the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, as well as out of respect for Minister Wike.