Healthcare in Abuja takes a hit as ARD-FCT declares an indefinite strike over unmet welfare demands.
Resident doctors in Abuja suspend strike, agree to resume duties on Sept 22 following Senate intervention, but insist demands remain unmet. Photo Credit: NSA
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike.
The chapter’s president, Dr. George Ebong, disclosed the decision to journalists, confirming that members are expected to resume duties on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8 a.m.
He explained that the suspension followed the intervention of the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters. However, he noted that none of the association’s key demands had been met.
“We were assured by the Senate committee of a meeting with the FCT Minister soon to address the lingering issues,” Dr. Ebong said.
The FCT chapter of NARD declared an indefinite strike last week over unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2023, unexplained deductions from allowances, and the failure to upgrade qualified doctors who have completed specialist training but are still paid as medical officers.
Resident doctors are medical graduates undergoing specialist training form the backbone of Nigeria’s emergency wards and are vital to the country’s healthcare delivery system.
In an earlier statement issued on September 1, 2025, NARD highlighted several outstanding demands, including:
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
Recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State.
Addressing the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
While the strike suspension offers temporary relief to patients in Abuja hospitals, NARD insists that the Federal Government and FCT authorities must act swiftly to resolve the persistent welfare and salary issues threatening healthcare delivery.
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