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The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has reaffirmed its decision to sustain its strike until all pending demands are fully implemented by the government.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the strike resumed after government authorities failed to honour previous commitments despite several interventions.
Ebong explained that the association had earlier suspended its industrial action six weeks ago following assurances from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Assembly.
However, he lamented that none of the agreed timelines had been met.
“We have exercised enough patience. Not a single one of our core demands has been implemented, and our members continue to suffer. Until everything is addressed, the strike will continue,” Ebong stated.
The doctors complained of irregular and incomplete salary payments, with many yet to receive their October wages.
They also accused the FCTA management of owing 28 doctors employed in 2023, alongside several newly hired resident doctors who have not been paid since their engagement.
The association further demanded the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 142 doctors, the correction of salary scale errors, and the reversal of the entry-level employment from CONMESS 2 to CONMESS 3 to align with federal standards.
Ebong also described the deteriorating condition of healthcare facilities in the territory as “a clear sign of neglect,” adding that morale among doctors had dropped significantly due to unpaid benefits and poor working conditions.
“Even if the national body suspends its strike, we will not return to work until our peculiar issues are resolved. The FCTA must act now before the system collapses completely,” he warned.
The ARD-FCTA urged the FCT Minister to revisit his earlier approvals and ensure that responsible officials implement them without further delay, stressing that bureaucratic bottlenecks were sabotaging progress in the health sector.
The association’s key demands include immediate payment of salary arrears, recruitment of new doctors before the end of 2025, settlement of the MRTF for 2025, payment of hazard allowance arrears, and the full implementation of the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.