Doctors in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory have embarked on an indefinite strike, accusing the government of chronic neglect of the health sector and failure to meet long-standing demands.
The Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA (ARD-FCTA), announced the action after an emergency congress on Sunday, declaring that the strike would begin at 8:00am on Monday, September 15, 2025.
At a press briefing, ARD-FCTA president Dr George Ebong stressed the move was not personal against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, but a direct response to what the doctors described as a collapsing healthcare system in the nation’s capital.
“This is not targeted at the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system,” he said. “Until government listens to our demands, we will remain on strike.”
Unmet Demands and Mounting Frustrations
The doctors listed a series of unresolved grievances, including:
Non-payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023.
Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Unexplained deductions and irregular salary payments.
Failure to implement promotions since 2023.
Non-payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.
Lack of recruitment despite a manpower crisis leading to “avoidable stress-related deaths”.
Decaying hospital facilities, with some centres lacking even basic X-ray machines.
They also accused the administration of ignoring the 25–35% CONMESS salary review arrears already implemented at federal and state levels, and of stalling on the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the consultant cadre.
Resolution for Indefinite Strike
After what leaders described as “historic deliberations”, the congress resolved that work would not resume until there is written, time-bound commitment from the FCTA to address their demands.
The doctors are demanding urgent renovation and equipping of hospitals, immediate recruitment of new staff, and the settlement of all outstanding allowances.
“Education is supposed to be a ladder out of poverty, but when it becomes unaffordable, it pushes families deeper into the same poverty cycle,” an education expert, Michael Akor, warned — highlighting the wider implications of neglected systems.
Unless government responds swiftly, residents of the capital face a fresh wave of disruptions in access to healthcare, with patients already stranded at several hospitals on Monday morning.
