FCT Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Poor Hospital Conditions

Healthcare services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to suffer major disruption as resident doctors launched an indefinite strike on Monday, September 15, 2025, over unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and unresolved welfare demands.

The decision followed an emergency general meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors in the FCT on Sunday. In a statement signed by the association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, the doctors accused the FCT Administration of ignoring repeated appeals for dialogue and failing to address long-standing issues affecting both staff and patients.

“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially. The Government of FCTA has refused to listen; the Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike starting from this morning,” Ebong declared.

The doctors cited several grievances, including the non-payment of 26 members despite seven months of dialogue, unexplained salary deductions, lack of promotions since 2023, and rising unemployment that has stretched available personnel. They also highlighted deteriorating facilities, with some hospitals reportedly unable to conduct basic X-rays.

“This is not targeted against the Minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system,” Ebong said, stressing that the strike was necessary to force meaningful change in Abuja’s healthcare delivery.

The doctors insist that the strike will continue until the FCT Administration shows “genuine commitment” to resolving their demands and improving hospital infrastructure.

The industrial action is expected to compound the difficulties of patients across Abuja, where many already face limited access to affordable healthcare. Civil society groups have urged the authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent further strain on the city’s fragile medical system.