FCT Doctors Embark On Three-Day Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Allowances

By Onoja Baba, Abuja

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commenced a three-day warning strike.

This action arises from grievances including unpaid salaries, delayed allowances, and other unmet demands.

Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, highlighted that the strike follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on December 23, 2024.

Despite multiple dialogues and a two-week extension requested by the administration, the doctors’ concerns remain unaddressed.

The industrial action affects all government hospitals across Abuja, including facilities in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.

Patients seeking medical attention at these centers are being informed of the service disruptions due to the strike.

Key issues prompting the strike encompass unpaid salaries for doctors employed in 2023, delayed Medical Residency Training Fund payments for 2024, non-implementation of promotion-related benefits, and outstanding hazard allowance arrears spanning 13 months.

Dr. Ebong emphasized the critical nature of these concerns, stating, “Doctors have been abandoned… the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister.”

The association warns that if their demands are not met following the three-day warning strike, they may escalate to an indefinite industrial action. Dr. Ebong called on Minister Wike to urgently address the situation to prevent a prolonged shutdown of medical services in the nation’s capital.