Resident doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) have embarked on an indefinite strike after their one-week warning strike failed to yield any meaningful response from the government. The strike, which commenced at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, was declared after an emergency general meeting held on Sunday, where members expressed disappointment that none of their demands had been addressed despite months of negotiations. The association, which represents doctors working across 14 districts and general hospitals as well as the Department of Public Health in the FCT, said the decision became necessary following what it described as chronic neglect of the healthcare system. ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, signed the communiqué announcing the strike, stressing that doctors could no longer continue under poor working and welfare conditions.
Among the key demands of the striking doctors are the payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new medical staff, and full disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. They are also requesting the payment of arrears resulting from the 25–35 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical and Dental Salary Structure, clear timelines for promotion exercises with full arrears, and the correction of persistent salary deductions and irregular payments.
The association further demanded the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre within six months of passing, settlement of wage award and hazard allowance arrears, and the renovation and proper equipping of FCTA hospitals to globally acceptable standards. They also called for the payment of three to four months’ salary arrears owed to newly employed external residents.
Doctors at FCT hospitals have repeatedly raised concerns about overwhelming workloads, with some reportedly attending to more than 30 to 40 patients daily and conducting multiple surgeries under stressful conditions. Many have also spoken about burnout, physical strain, and mental health challenges resulting from years of poor staffing and lack of recruitment.
The ARD-FCTA said it would not suspend the strike unless the government and hospital management demonstrate a genuine commitment by signing a clear, time-bound document to address all pending issues. For now, public health services in Abuja face significant disruption as the strike takes full effect.
