Relief For Patients: Abuja Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Senate Wades In

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has suspended its indefinite strike, offering much-needed relief to patients in Abuja and surrounding areas after days of disrupted medical services.

Confirming the development on Friday, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, announced that doctors would resume work on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8 a.m.

He explained 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 the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

However, Dr. Ebong stressed that none of the doctors’ demands had been met.

“The Senate intervened. Even though none of our demands have been addressed, they assured us that they will engage the minister. We hope he will listen, because we respect him,” he said.

Origins of the Strike

The deadlock began earlier this month after months of unmet promises. On September 14, 2025, ARD-FCTA declared an indefinite strike, effective from September 15, following the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.

The action crippled healthcare delivery across 14 district and general hospitals under the FCT Administration, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to turn to costly private clinics.

The Doctors’ Demands

Resident doctors cited poor working conditions, delayed salaries, and inadequate staffing as their primary grievances. Their key demands include:

• Payment of salary arrears (one to six months) owed to doctors employed since 2023.

• Settlement of outstanding arrears from the 25–35% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

• Recruitment of additional medical staff to ease workload.

• Clear timelines for promotion and conversion of doctors who have qualified as specialists.

• Provision of modern equipment and improved hospital infrastructure.

• Correction of alleged errors in allowance deductions and irregular salary payments.

The doctors argued that these issues not only affect their welfare but also compromise patient care across the capital territory.

Senate Steps In

The Senate Committee pledged to mediate between the doctors and the FCT Minister. Although no tangible progress has been made yet, the doctors agreed to suspend the strike as a sign of good faith.

“We are hopeful the minister will listen. Doctors’ welfare directly impacts the quality of care patients receive,” Ebong added.

A Recurring Challenge

This is not the first time Nigerian resident doctors have resorted to strikes to press home their demands. Across the country, healthcare workers frequently cite underfunded facilities, poor welfare, and unpaid benefits as reasons for downing tools.

For Abuja residents, however, the latest suspension means a temporary reprieve, as doctors prepare to return to duty and restore services in public hospitals.