Healthcare services across government hospitals in Abuja have come to a standstill as the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), embarked on a three-day warning strike over six months of unpaid salaries, allowances, and deteriorating hospital conditions.
The strike, which began on January 22, 2025, follows a series of unmet demands and failed negotiations with the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja that the decision was reached after an ultimatum issued in December 2024 expired without resolution.
“All government hospitals in Abuja—Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya—are affected by this strike. Doctors are owed salaries for six months, and promises made on allowances and improved working conditions have been ignored,” Dr. Ebong stated.
He highlighted the dire state of Abuja’s healthcare system, describing the hospitals as shadows of what they should be. “Doctors in Abuja are abandoned projects. Just as roads are constructed, the welfare of those who save lives must be prioritized,” he said.
The doctors’ demands include the immediate payment of six months’ salary arrears, hazard allowance arrears of 13 months, and disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2024. They also demand payment of accoutrement allowances and the implementation of long-overdue promotions for qualified medical professionals.
The doctors decried the alarming manpower shortage, with one doctor performing the duties of five due to mass resignations. Hospitals are overwhelmed, operating with outdated equipment, and some have gone months without basic utilities like water.
Dr. Ebong warned that failure to meet their demands within the three-day strike period could lead to an indefinite shutdown of all government hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our hospitals lack basic amenities. Some theatres are held together by improvisation, and wards have no basic tools like thermometers. It’s shameful that hospitals in Abuja lack water for surgeries or even basic hygiene,” he added.
The ongoing strike has sparked public outrage and concerns over the potential collapse of healthcare services in Abuja. Residents are calling on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to urgently address the situation and prevent an indefinite strike.
This strike underscores the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including poor funding, inadequate staffing, and a lack of essential resources.
