By Atoyebi Nike
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration has confirmed that the FCT Administration has begun partially addressing its demands, including the payment of some salary arrears and the Medical Residency Training Fund. However, the doctors say their indefinite strike will continue until all outstanding issues are resolved.
In a statement on Wednesday, ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong said 28 doctors who arrears ranging from one month to a year received payments two nights ago. Salaries for October were also paid on Tuesday.
However, only 103 out of 150 affected doctors received their MRTF allowances, leaving 47 doctors still unpaid. The association said these delays threaten residency training schedules and exam preparation for the affected doctors.
The ARD-FCTA, which operates across 14 district and general hospitals under the FCTA, began its industrial action on Saturday in line with the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors. The strike seeks better welfare, improved working conditions, and fair remuneration.
While acknowledging progress made by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the doctors insisted the strike cannot be suspended until all demands including payments for external resident doctors owed six to seven months, accumulated promotion and skipping arrears, outstanding hazard allowances since 2021, and the implementation of CONMESS adjustments are settled.
They called on the government to avoid waiting for strikes before resolving grievances, stressing the urgent need for lasting solutions to Nigeria’s worsening healthcare system.
The doctors reaffirmed that the strike remains in force until every unresolved entitlement is cleared.
