FCT resident doctors commence indefinite strike

The resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun an indefinite strike starting Monday, September 15, 2025. 

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), announced the strike due to the government’s failure to meet their demands despite a previous one-week warning strike. 

The strike action was issued and signed by the President of the association, George Ebong and General Secretary, Agbor Affiong.

In a statement issued by the association, the reasons for the action were disclosed, which states that, 

“The Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA, at its Emergency General Meeting held on 14 September 2025, resolved to embark on an indefinite strike action with effect from 8:00 a.m., Monday, 15 September 2025.

“This action follows the failure of Management to address any of our legitimate demands, even after a one-week warning strike,” it said.

Earlier, before the sudden decision was taken, the association had embarked on a seven-day warning strike last Monday to press home its demands, following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.

The strike, which takes effect on Monday, is  meant to eradicate the delays in the payment of salaries for health workers, precisely in Abuja. 

Also, the payment of outstanding salary arrears for doctors employed since 2023 was one of the reasons behind the strike. It was said they are still owed salaries ranging from one to six months. The doctors are, however, demanding payment of these salary arrears.

Other demands include payment of wage award arrears, renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to world-class standards, payment of outstanding hazard allowance arrears, unnecessary deductions of salary and settlement of salary arrears owed to newly employed external residents who are currently owed three to four months’ pay.

In addition, the FCT is short of about 200 doctors, leading to overwhelming workloads, which call for suitable working conditions. In view of this, it was concluded that hospitals lack equipment, consumables and basic functionality to improve health care. And 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears were left unpaid.

However, stressing the need to revisit the Medical Residency Training Fund, it was revealed that non-disbursement of the 2025 fund has left doctors indebted.

The strike will significantly impact healthcare delivery in the FCT, with routine services disrupted, although emergency cases may still be attended to. The doctors have vowed to continue the strike until the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to their welfare and the health of FCT residents.

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