Abuja: Resident doctors begin three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced a three-day warning strike to protest unpaid salaries, allowances, and other welfare concerns.
The strike, which started on Wednesday, has disrupted services in government hospitals across Abuja.
Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, announced the strike during a press briefing in Abuja.
He explained that the decision followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued to the government last year, as well as multiple failed attempts at dialogue.
“We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands and even extended it by two weeks after several meetings. However, nothing has been done—not even the minimum, like paying six months of arrears owed to doctors,” Ebong said.
The strike has affected hospitals across Abuja, including major facilities such as Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya. The warning strike is intended to draw attention to the doctors’ demands and compel government action.
Dr. Ebong urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the matter and prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers.
“Doctors in Abuja have become abandoned projects. Just as roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should also be addressed. If this issue is not resolved, we will escalate to an indefinite strike,” Ebong warned.
The association has stated that if their demands remain unmet after the three-day strike, an indefinite shutdown of hospitals in Abuja could follow.
The ARD FCTA previously issued warnings in December regarding their grievances, highlighting the urgency of addressing the deteriorating conditions in the healthcare sector.
