The Nigerian Senate has called on resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to end their industrial action, pledging swift intervention to resolve their grievances.
At an emergency meeting with leaders of the FCT chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South), acknowledged the validity of the doctors’ claims. The committee promised to directly engage FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address the issues.
Senator Jimkuta appealed: “We are pleading with you, return to work and give us the opportunity to mediate. I will personally take up this matter with the Minister tomorrow. Our people are suffering; we must act swiftly.”
He emphasized the severe impact of the strike on patients who depend entirely on public health facilities in the capital. Jimkuta also commended the doctors’ patriotism in remaining in Nigeria despite harsh conditions, and insisted their requests “are not selfish but aimed at strengthening the nation’s crumbling health system.”
The strike, declared indefinite last week by NARD FCT, stems from long‐standing welfare and infrastructure complaints. Among the doctors’ demands are payment of salary arrears dating back to 2023; reversal of unexplained deductions from their allowances; proper promotion for specialists still paid as medical officers; and provision of essential diagnostic tools like X-ray machines and echocardiographs.
Dr. Zenith Osundara, NARD President, told the Senate that broken promises from earlier strike suspensions have left health workers with “no choice.” He argued that many FCT hospitals remain under-equipped, placing patients at risk and adding to the sector’s brain-drain.
To strengthen their advocacy, the Senate committee requested that NARD provide detailed data: the number of affected personnel and the monetary value of unpaid allowances. A joint session with the FCT health administration was proposed to fast-track a resolution.
