Esther Salifu
In a significant escalation of tensions within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has initiated a seven-day warning strike. The action, commencing on Monday, September 8, 2025, is in response to longstanding grievances including unpaid salaries, inadequate staffing, and poor working conditions.
Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD-FCT, announced the strike following an emergency meeting, stating that repeated dialogues with the FCT Administration have failed to yield tangible results. He highlighted the dire consequences of neglecting healthcare workers’ welfare, citing instances where excessive workloads have led to fatalities among medical staff.
The association also raised concerns about unsafe working environments, referencing the tragic death of a nurse due to a snakebite at Abaji General Hospital. Dr. Ebong emphasized that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been informed of these issues but has yet to take corrective action.
In a related development, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) could prevent a nationwide strike. He acknowledged that the primary issue remains the unpaid residency training allowances for 2025.
The ARD-FCT has warned that if their demands are not met within the stipulated seven days, they will proceed with an indefinite strike, potentially crippling healthcare services in the nation’s capital.
