The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration began a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over unpaid salaries, allowances and other demands.
The President of the ARD FCTA, George Ebong, said at a press briefing, on Wednesday, that the strike followed the expiration of the three-week ultimatum issued on December 23, 2024, by the doctors to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to meet their demands.
Ebong said that at the heart of the warning strike was the neglect of doctors’ welfare and the neglect of hospitals.
He also urged the minister to intervene to avoid an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.
Ebong said, “The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and all other hospitals in Abuja.
“We gave the government an ultimatum to meet our demands, and after that, we met with them and held several dialogues.
“They pleaded for two weeks, but after that elapsed, nothing has been done. Not even the minimum thing. We expected them to pay the six months of unpaid arrears to doctors.
“Honestly, doctors have been abandoned. Just as the roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister,” he said.
Ebong added that if nothing was done regarding the doctors’ demands after the three-day strike, they would conduct an appraisal.
“If nothing is done, we will go on an indefinite strike. We want the Minister of FCT to solve this problem to prevent an indefinite shutdown of hospitals in Abuja,” he added.
Ebong also disclosed that promises made by the FCTA regarding the accoutrements allowance of the doctors have also not been fulfilled.
“This allowance, meant for the tools we use daily to serve Nigerians, has also been delayed indefinitely. Management assured us this money would be paid, but to date, nothing has been done. These broken promises make it harder for us to trust the system.
“Imagine passing a promotion exam years ago, in our case, 2-5 years ago, taking on the responsibilities of your new role, but still being paid for your old position. This is our reality.
“Doctors who have earned the title of ‘consultant’ are still treated as senior registrars, with no formal recognition or financial benefits. It is a slap in the face to our hard work and commitment,” he said.
