FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving the ongoing grievances of striking resident doctors through established protocols, dismissing any notions of neglect or political maneuvering.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of a major road project in Abuja, Wike emphasized the importance of procedural integrity amid the doctors’ indefinite strike, which began on Monday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the action stems from six months of withheld salaries, acute staffing deficits, and unresolved payments for essential allowances.
Addressing the impasse directly, Wike highlighted recent administrative hurdles while underscoring swift action once cleared.
“We lost our Head of Service; we just appointed an acting Head of Service,” he noted. “If the Permanent Secretary Treasury brings their bill now, why will I hold it? They will be paid. They should know that everything has procedure.”
Wike urged the medical professionals to separate partisan influences from legitimate civil service claims, insisting that while their concerns are valid and under review, adherence to protocols remains non-negotiable.
He acknowledged reports of potential escalations, including threats to protest at the FCT Administration’s gates unless immediate resolutions occur.
On this front, Wike remained unfazed, revealing outreach from security officials.
“The DSS called me, that people said they will demonstrate, that we are paying attention to roads, we are not paying attention to health,” he shared.
“Demonstration is allowed everywhere. Nobody will blackmail me, nobody will stop me from doing what I think is right.”
To counter claims of sectoral bias, the minister spotlighted robust investments in healthcare. His administration has earmarked a substantial N25 billion for capital projects in the health sector within the 2025 budget—a figure he described as unprecedented.
This allocation, Wike argued, unequivocally refutes suggestions that other areas like infrastructure are being prioritized at health’s expense.
Taking a broader swipe at national tendencies, Wike lambasted what he called a pervasive “culture of blackmail,” contrasting it with international norms where accountability thrives without coercion.
He affirmed that strikes and protests are fundamental democratic tools, which he fully supports. Yet, he stressed, resolutions must prioritize “the right things” and rigorous due process to safeguard the FCT’s long-term interests.
