FCT Resident Doctors Begin Warning Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Poor Conditions

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has commenced a seven-day warning strike, following a resolution reached during its emergency general meeting. The association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, announced the decision, citing a “long-standing systemic failure” in the FCT’s health system and a lack of meaningful engagement from the FCT Administration.

Doctors’ Demands and Grievances

The doctors’ primary issues include a critical shortage of manpower, as no new doctors have been employed since 2011 to replace those who have retired or emigrated. They also cited the psychological toll of long working hours, which has led to health complications and, in a recent case in Port Harcourt, the death of a doctor. Other grievances include unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and dilapidated working conditions in the 14 district and general hospitals across the FCT. A recent case involving the death of a nurse from a snake bite in Abaji General Hospital was also highlighted as an example of the poor and unsafe conditions.

Dr. Ebong called on the FCT Administration to declare a state of emergency on its hospitals and urged that frontline health professionals be included in decision-making processes. The warning strike is uninterrupted, and if their demands are not met within the seven days, the doctors will embark on a total and indefinite strike.

Government Hopes to Avert Strike

In a separate development, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, expressed optimism that ongoing talks with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) would prevent a full-blown strike. Speaking on a national television program, he acknowledged that the main issue at the national level is the outstanding 40% of the 2025 residency training allowance. He expressed hope that a resolution would be reached before the ultimatum expires.