Doctor
Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has initiated a seven-day warning strike to press for critical changes in the region’s healthcare system.
ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, announced the strike in Abuja, stating it was decided during an emergency general meeting on September 5, 2025.
“The FCT Administration’s failure to address our concerns, despite extensive dialogue, has forced this action,” Ebong said, highlighting unresolved issues impacting the association.
Key grievances include severe staff shortages, with no new hires since 2011, and the psychological toll of excessive working hours, which Ebong linked to a recent doctor’s death in Port Harcourt. Other concerns involve unpaid salaries, arbitrary deductions, and poor working conditions, such as inadequate emergency and consulting rooms.
Ebong cited an incident where a nurse died from a snakebite at Abaji General Hospital as evidence of systemic neglect.
“The FCT health system is a ticking time bomb requiring immediate and comprehensive reform,” Ebong warned, noting that doctors are stretched thin, often covering multiple departments.
He urged the Federal Government to tackle these escalating challenges to prevent a potential collapse of the healthcare system.
Ebong also called out FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of ignoring repeated appeals. “We’ve notified the minister multiple times, but our concerns have been met with indifference,” he said.
The association demands a state of emergency be declared for the FCT’s 14 district and general hospitals, emphasizing that the strike will proceed without interruption.
If their demands remain unmet after seven days, Ebong warned, “We will escalate to an indefinite strike.”
He stressed the need for frontline health professionals to be involved in decision-making and issued a one-week ultimatum for the FCT administration to initiate meaningful reforms, particularly on staffing and welfare.
Government Response
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Appearing on Channels Television’s _Sunrise Daily_, Salako said, “We’re making progress in our discussions, and I’m hopeful we can resolve this before the ultimatum expires.”
He identified the outstanding 40% of the 2025 residency training allowance as a primary issue but assured that efforts are underway to address it.
The ARD-FCT’s strike underscores the urgent need for systemic change, with doctors warning that failure to act could have dire consequences for healthcare delivery in the capital.
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