The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD-FCTA, for suspending their week-long strike, describing it as a patriotic decision taken in the interest of Abuja residents and the nation.
Wike gave the commendation on Friday during the flag-off of the Northern Parkway project in Abuja. He expressed relief that medical services in the capital would resume by Monday, after several days of disruption that had heightened anxiety among patients and residents.
“First of all, let me thank the resident doctors of the FCT who have seen reasons to call off their strike, for the interest of the FCT, and for the interest of the nation,” Wike said. He also acknowledged the efforts of senior officials, including the Chief of Staff, the Civil Service Commission Chairman, the Acting Head of Service, and the Special Adviser on Administration, for negotiating with the doctors.
The FCT resident doctors had embarked on an indefinite strike last Monday, citing unpaid salary arrears of between one to six months owed to members employed since 2023. Their other demands included immediate recruitment of new staff, payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and settlement of arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
The association also highlighted recurring issues such as irregular and erroneous salary deductions, lack of clear timelines for promotion exercises, non-conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultants, and the poor state of facilities in district hospitals. In addition, newly employed external residents are reportedly owed three to four months’ wages, worsening morale among frontline staff.
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The strike quickly drew public concern, as the ARD-FCTA comprises doctors working in 14 district and general hospitals as well as the Department of Public Health. With over a week of disrupted services, pressure mounted on both the FCTA and the Senate to intervene.
Though ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong said the suspension followed Senate intervention, Wike maintained that most of the doctors’ demands had already been approved.
“Before I came here, virtually all their requests I have signed. There is no need for blackmail. We are working for the interest of Abuja residents and Nigerians at large,” he stressed.
For now, doctors are expected to resume work on Monday, while negotiations continue to ensure the arrears are cleared and reforms implemented. Wike urged continued dialogue, warning that prolonged industrial action in the health sector only endangers lives.
Punch
