Abuja, Nigeria – September 15, 2025 – Medical services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been disrupted as resident doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCT chapter, commenced an indefinite strike today.
The doctors, who work across government hospitals in the FCT, are protesting the non-implementation of several key agreements previously reached with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). These include unpaid salaries, irregular hazard allowances, and the failure to address the acute manpower shortage in FCT health institutions.
According to the leadership of the ARD-FCT, the strike became necessary after multiple ultimatums and meetings with relevant authorities yielded no tangible results.
“We have exhausted all avenues of negotiation. Our members are overworked, underpaid, and unprotected. This strike will continue indefinitely until all our demands are met,” said Dr. Adewale Musa, President of ARD-FCT.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike has led to the suspension of non-emergency services in major government hospitals across Abuja, including outpatient consultations, elective surgeries, and specialist clinics. Only skeletal emergency services are currently being maintained.
Patients who visited public hospitals early Monday were turned back or asked to seek care at private facilities, many of which are already overwhelmed. Relatives expressed frustration and fear over the sudden disruption, especially for those with ongoing treatments.
Core Demands
Key issues driving the strike include:
- Outstanding salaries for newly employed doctors
- Incomplete implementation of the reviewed hazard allowance
- Lack of medical equipment and consumables
- Insecurity concerns affecting doctors’ safety at work
The ARD-FCT leadership insists that the strike is not politically motivated but a direct response to poor working conditions and the government’s failure to fulfill previous promises.
Call for Government Intervention
Health sector stakeholders have urged the FCT Administration and the Federal Ministry of Health to engage the doctors in meaningful dialogue to prevent further deterioration of healthcare services in the capital.
The FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat has yet to release an official statement, but sources indicate that negotiations may resume in the coming days.
Public Reaction
Many residents have taken to social media to express concern over the impact of the strike, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
As the indefinite strike by FCT resident doctors begins, the hope remains that swift government action will bring an end to the industrial action and restore full medical services across Abuja.
Stay with us for updates on the FCT doctors’ strike and other breaking health news in Nigeria.
