The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike and confirmed that members will return to duty on Monday at 8 a.m.
Announcing the decision on Friday, the association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, said the move followed interventions from the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, led by Senator David Jimkuta.
He emphasized, however, that none of the doctors’ demands had been met, but the union chose to suspend the action in good faith after assurances of engagement with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
ARD-FCTA, which comprises doctors across 14 district and general hospitals and the Department of Public Health, had embarked on the strike last Monday over unpaid salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023.
Their demands include immediate staff recruitment, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, timelines for conversion and promotion exercises, and the resolution of irregular salary deductions and payments.
They are also pushing for hospital renovation and equipment upgrades, conversion of post-Part II Fellows to consultant status, and settlement of hazard allowance and wage award arrears.
Dr. Ebong noted that Congress will reconvene to reassess progress within the agreed timeframe and warned that fresh action may follow if commitments are not met.
What You Should Know
The ARD-FCTA strike suspension provides temporary relief for healthcare delivery in Abuja, though doctors maintain that none of their grievances have been resolved.
Their demands focus on unpaid arrears, staff welfare, and hospital upgrades, with future action possible if government interventions fall short.
