FCTA Resident Doctors Vow to Continue Indefinite Strike Despite Partial Payment of Arrears

The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) says its indefinite strike will continue despite the government’s partial implementation of their demands.

The doctors confirmed that some members have received long-overdue salary arrears and allowances, but insisted that the industrial action—held in solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)—will not be called off until all pending issues are resolved.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong said 28 doctors who had been owed between one month and one year’s salary arrears were finally paid two nights ago. He added that while some members have also received their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), 47 out of 150 eligible doctors remain unpaid.

“Two nights ago, the 28 doctors who had been owed salary arrears ranging from one month to one year were paid,” Dr. Ebong stated.
“Out of 150 doctors due for the MRTF, only 103 were paid, leaving a remainder of 47. We are grateful to the Honourable Minister, Nyesom Wike, for beginning the implementation of our demands, but partial progress is not enough to suspend the strike.”

He praised the FCT Minister for his intervention but urged the government to go beyond temporary fixes, warning that the strike would persist until all demands are met.

The ARD-FCTA leader also expressed appreciation for the ongoing dialogue with the National Assembly and FCTA management, stressing that the association remained open to further discussions aimed at restoring stability to Abuja’s public healthcare system.

The doctors listed several unresolved issues that must be addressed before the strike can be suspended both at the national and FCTA levels. These include:

• Immediate payment of MRTF for the remaining 47 doctors.
• Settlement of 6–7 months’ salary arrears owed to external resident doctors.
• Payment of longstanding skipping, promotion, and post-Part II conversion arrears.
• Full implementation of the 25%/35% CONMESS salary adjustment in line with federal institutions.
• Payment of the approved wage award.
• Clearance of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears dating back to 2021.
• Employment of additional healthcare workers.
• Improvement of working conditions across FCTA health facilities.

Ebong urged the government to act swiftly to avoid further deterioration in the healthcare sector.

“The government should not always wait for strikes before addressing our concerns,” he added. “We remain committed to our patients’ welfare, but our members must also be treated with fairness and dignity.”

The ongoing strike has disrupted operations in several public hospitals across Abuja, raising fears of increased pressure on private facilities and worsening access to healthcare for residents.