By Atoyebi Nike
Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory began an indefinite strike on Monday, September 15, 2025, over unpaid salaries, stalled promotions, and poor hospital conditions.
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA), Dr George Ebong, announced the action at a press briefing in Abuja.
The doctors had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on August 28 and staged a warning strike on September 8, but the government failed to respond. Ebong said the congress of doctors reviewed negotiations and agreed to down tools after officials ignored all key demands.
He listed the demands to include payment of salaries delayed for over seven months, release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, correction of salary deductions, promotion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre, settlement of wage award arrears, hospital renovations, recruitment of new doctors, payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, and clearance of entitlements owed to external residents.
Ebong stressed that the strike was not directed at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike but at years of neglect of the health system. He warned that the action would continue until the government shows genuine commitment to resolving the crisis, adding that poor welfare and crumbling infrastructure endanger patient care in Abuja.
