The Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has urged the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), FCT chapter, to suspend its ongoing strike immediately in the interest of public health.
The committee, led by its chairman, Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South), convened an emergency meeting with the leadership of the striking doctors on Thursday. The lawmakers assured the doctors that their grievances were being taken seriously and promised to escalate the matter directly to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Senator Jimkuta acknowledged the dire consequences the industrial action is having on healthcare delivery across the FCT, describing it as a situation that cannot be allowed to persist. He appealed to the doctors to return to work while discussions continue.
“We are pleading with you, please return to work and continue saving lives. I will personally meet with the Minister tomorrow. I am confident that something concrete will come out of it. We cannot stand by while people die because doctors are on strike,” he stated.
The committee chairman commended the doctors for what he termed a fight for the collective good rather than self-interest, stressing that their demands are geared towards strengthening Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.
The FCT chapter of NARD had declared an indefinite strike last week, citing unresolved issues such as unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2023, unexplained deductions from allowances, and the refusal to upgrade resident doctors who had completed specialist training but were still being remunerated as medical officers.
To fast-track a resolution, the Senate committee proposed a joint negotiation session involving the National Assembly, the FCT health administration, and representatives of the striking doctors to hammer out a lasting solution.
What You Should Know
Resident doctors in the FCT are on strike over unpaid arrears, allowance deductions, and stalled promotions.
The Senate has appealed for an immediate suspension of the action, pledging to engage Minister Nyesom Wike and push for negotiations to protect healthcare delivery in Abuja.
