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The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has pledged to sustain its strike until all outstanding demands are fully addressed.
The association expressed frustration that, despite repeated assurances and interventions, none of the key issues raised months ago had been implemented.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, ARD-FCTA President Dr George Ebong said the strike, which was suspended six weeks ago following the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the National Assembly, resumed because the government failed to honour its promises.
He noted that although specific timelines had been agreed upon, none had been met. The ARD-FCTA represents doctors working across 14 districts and general hospitals, including the Department of Public Health under the FCTA.
The strike, which began on Saturday, aligns with the indefinite industrial action declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.
Dr Ebong lamented the irregular payment of salaries, saying FCTA doctors often receive wages late and incomplete.
“As of today, November 3, we have not received last month’s salary. It has become a norm for our salaries to come late, sometimes by several weeks, and even then, they are never complete,” he said.
He added that 28 doctors employed in 2023 were still owed salaries despite numerous appeals to management.
Similarly, newly employed external resident doctors—hired about seven months ago—had not been paid, forcing some to abandon their posts due to financial hardship.
The association also condemned the non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for about 142 doctors, despite federal approval. The fund, meant to support training and examinations, has not been released, raising further concerns among members.
Dr Ebong criticised the FCTA for employing doctors at a lower entry level—CONMESS 2 instead of CONMESS 3—arguing that the reduced pay discourages professionals from accepting positions.
“Doctors cannot survive on ₦200,000 monthly while working long hours. Many prefer to remain in other cities where pay is fairer,” he said.
He also highlighted the deteriorating state of healthcare infrastructure, warning that poor working conditions were driving doctors away.
The ARD-FCTA maintained that it would not suspend its strike even if the national body called off its industrial action.
“Our situation is peculiar. Until our demands are met, we will continue. We have been patient enough,” Dr Ebong stated.
The association urged the FCT Minister to intervene, suggesting that some officials may be deliberately sabotaging his directives.
The doctors are demanding:
Immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears since 2023.
Recruitment of new doctors with written, time-bound commitments by the end of 2025.
Immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Correction of salary irregularities and wrongful deductions.
Documented timelines for skipping and conversion within one month.
A Memorandum of Understanding mandating skipping within three months of employment.
Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six months of passing.
Release of promotion timelines and full payment of arrears within one month.
Immediate payment of wage award arrears and hazard allowance arrears.
Payment of arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS review.
Urgent renovation and equipping of all FCTA hospitals to global standards.
Payment of all arrears owed to 2025 external residents.
Dr Ebong concluded that only concrete action, not promises, would end the strike, saying, “We are ready to work, but we cannot give what we don’t have.”
