Medical doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (FCT Chapter) (ARD‑FCT) in the Federal Capital Territory say they will continue their industrial action, even though the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has made some partial payments of salary arrears. The doctors argue that the payments fall short of meeting their broader demands and therefore reject the notion that the strike is over.
Unmet Demands Fuel Discontent
At a press briefing in Abuja, ARD‑FCT President Dr. George Ebong said many resident doctors, particularly those employed since 2023 are still owed months of salary. He asserted that payroll irregularities have become “a culture” within FCTA services, characterized by late or incomplete payments.
In addition to salary arrears, the doctors are demanding settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, correction of upward reviews of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), conversion of post‑Part II fellows to consultants within six months of qualification, and clear timelines for promotions and skipping exercises.
Government Interventions and Partial Payments
The FCTA recently announced that portions of the arrears had been paid, and in September the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike formally approved the doctors’ requests for payment and recruitment processes.
Despite this, Dr. Ebong said the doctors would not resume normal duty until all demands are satisfactorily addressed. He said: “We are ready to work, but we cannot give what we don’t have.”
Impact on Healthcare Services
The ongoing strike has had visible effects on health‑care delivery across the FCT. Many district and general hospitals have reported reduced staffing and service disruptions, mirroring similar industrial actions in Nigeria’s health sector.
Health‑care observers warn that protracted disputes like this risk eroding public trust in the system and may exacerbate the brain‑drain of medical personnel.
The doctors have stated that although they temporarily suspended a previous strike after senate intervention in September, the suspension is not a call‑off. They reserve the right to resume full action if the FCTA fails to execute agreed timelines and payments.
Officials from the FCTA have yet to publish a full breakdown of payments made or commit publicly to timelines for outstanding demands.
