The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), has initiated a three-day warning strike to protest unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unmet demands.
As a result, activities have come to a halt in government hospitals across Abuja, including those in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, and others. Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, stating that the strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued by the doctors last year.
Dr. Ebong called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to intervene and prevent an indefinite closure of the hospitals. He explained that the decision for the strike came after a congress held by ARD members on Tuesday, where the group decided to proceed with the warning strike.
“The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja—Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others,” Dr. Ebong said. “We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands. After that, we held several meetings with them, but despite their requests for additional time, nothing has been done. We have yet to receive the six months of unpaid arrears owed to doctors.”
He further emphasized that doctors have been neglected, stating, “Just as roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should also be considered by the minister.”
Dr. Ebong warned that after the three-day strike, the union would assess the situation. “If nothing is done, we will go on an indefinite strike.”
The ARD FCTA had previously issued a 14-day strike warning on December 23, 2025, to the FCT minister, urging action to meet their demands before the deadline. The ultimatum expired on January 6, 2025.
Some of the doctors’ demands include clearing the Medical Residency Training Fund for 2024, implementing skipping and issuing skipping letters to new members hired in 2023, immediate payment of the 2024 accoutrements allowance, and settling outstanding 13-month hazard allowance arrears, among others.
Dr. Ebong also highlighted the neglect of hospitals and the welfare of doctors in the capital, calling for urgent action to address the ongoing issues.
