The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday, citing unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved grievances.
During a press briefing in Abuja, the association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, revealed that the industrial action was prompted by the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued to the government last year.
Ebong recalled that the association had given the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, a 21-day ultimatum on December 23, 2024, to address their demands.
However, the lack of progress compelled them to take action.
Condemning the state of hospitals and the disregard for doctors’ welfare in Abuja, Dr. Ebong described the situation as a dire reflection of neglect.
He urged Minister Wike to intervene urgently to avoid a potential indefinite closure of medical facilities in the capital.
“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,” he stated.
Explaining the rationale behind the strike, Dr. Ebong said, “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.”
He expressed frustration over the lack of attention given to doctors’ welfare, adding, “Honestly, doctors have been abandoned. Just as the roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister.”
According to him, the decision to embark on the warning strike was reached following a Congress meeting held on Tuesday.
He warned that failure to address the issues after the three-day strike would result in an indefinite industrial action.
“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 said.
Ebong highlighted unfulfilled promises concerning the accoutrements allowance, which he described as essential for their daily work.
“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.”
The president further lamented the stagnation in professional recognition, saying, “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 also pointed out the delay in the payment of hazard allowance arrears, despite the high risks associated with their work.
“Since 2021, there has been an increase in our hazard allowance — an increase approved due to the high risks we face daily. From COVID-19 to Lassa fever, we work on the front lines, often at great personal risk. Yet, here in the FCT, we are still owed 13 months of arrears,” Dr. Ebong emphasized.
