The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, protesting unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved issues.
Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, announced the strike during a press briefing in Abuja, explaining that it followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in December 2024.
“We issued a 21-day ultimatum on December 23, 2024, but after several meetings and discussions, our demands remain unmet,” Dr. Ebong said.
“We were promised action, but nothing has been done, not even the basic payment of six months’ unpaid arrears,” he continued.
The strike, which will last for three days, has affected all government hospitals in the FCT, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.
Dr. Ebong expressed the frustration of the doctors, highlighting their growing neglect and the lack of attention to their welfare.
“Doctors in Abuja have become abandoned projects,” he said.
“We need the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to step in and address this issue to prevent a prolonged shutdown of hospitals,” he continued.
He also pointed out several unfulfilled promises, including an outstanding accoutrements allowance, which has been delayed indefinitely.
“We were assured that the money for the tools we use to serve Nigerians would be paid, but to date, nothing has been done,” he lamented.
“These broken promises make it harder for us to trust the system,” he said.
Dr. Ebong further criticized the pay discrepancies faced by doctors who have been promoted but continue to receive salaries at their previous positions.
“Imagine taking on the responsibilities of a new role after passing a promotion exam years ago, only to be paid as though you’re still in your old position.
This is the reality for many doctors in the FCT,” he stated.
He also noted that despite an increase in hazard allowances approved for doctors due to the high risks associated with their work, there remain 13 months of arrears.
“From handling COVID-19 to Lassa fever, we work on the front lines, often at great personal risk,” Dr. Ebong said.
“Yet, we are still owed significant amounts of money for the extra risks we face daily,” he continued.
The union has warned that if no progress is made following the three-day strike, they will take further action, including the possibility of an indefinite strike.
“We are calling on the Minister of FCT to resolve these issues to prevent a prolonged shutdown of hospitals in Abuja,” Dr. Ebong concluded.
