By Peter.
After exactly one month of paralyzing medical services across the Federal Capital Territory, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike — but only for four weeks.
ARD-FCTA President Dr George Ebong confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday afternoon:
“Following the personal intervention and approval of our demands by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the congress of ARD-FCTA has resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks with immediate effect. However, should the FCTA fail to commence implementation within this period, we will have no choice but to resume industrial action — and it will be total.”
The strike, which began on 1 November 2025, grounded services in all 14 district and general hospitals under the FCT Administration, including the Department of Public Health. Patients faced long delays, emergency cases were diverted, and skeletal services were run by consultants and house officers.
Key Demands Approved by Minister Wike (Yet to Be Implemented)
- Payment of accrued salary arrears and allowances
- Implementation of the revised CONMESS salary structure
- Immediate recruitment of more doctors to reduce workload
- Upgrading of hospital facilities and provision of equipment
- Domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act in FCT
Doctors described Wike’s approval as “a major breakthrough”, but stressed that past promises have gone unfulfilled — hence the strict four-week timeline.
Patients and residents of Abuja can now access full medical services again, but the clock is ticking.
Will the FCTA deliver this time, or are we heading for round two in January?
#FCTDoctors #ARDStrikeSuspended #NyesomWike #AbujaHealthcare #ResidentDoctors
