Unrest In Health Sector: Abuja Doctors Shut Down Services Indefinitely, List Grievances Against Govt

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), on Monday declared an indefinite strike, accusing the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of failing to address their lingering demands.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The industrial action, which commenced at 8 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, comes after the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.

Speaking at a press briefing 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 “collapse of the health system” in the nation’s capital.

“The FCTA has refused to listen. Congress has resolved that until our demands are met, we will remain on strike. This action is not targeted at the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system,” Ebong stated.

He highlighted some of the grievances, including the non-payment of 26 doctors despite seven months of negotiations, unexplained salary deductions, stagnated promotions since 2023, and decaying hospital facilities.

“Some FCTA hospitals cannot even carry out basic X-rays. The conditions are simply unacceptable for both workers and patients,” he lamented.

Doctors List 12 Unresolved Issues

In a communiqué issued after its emergency congress on Sunday, September 14, the association accused the government of chronic neglect of the health sector, outlining 12 unresolved demands:

• Non-payment of salary arrears for members employed since 2023.

• Failure to recruit new doctors despite acute manpower shortages.

• Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

• Unsettled arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS salary review.

• Persistent salary deductions and irregular payments.

• Delayed promotions since 2023.

• Non-payment of hazard allowance arrears spanning 13 months.

• Poor infrastructure and lack of medical equipment in FCTA hospitals.

The doctors insisted that only immediate payment of arrears, fresh recruitment, full implementation of promotions, and urgent hospital renovations would end the strike.

They warned that the action would remain indefinite until government shows “genuine commitment” to making healthcare in the FCT a priority.