Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun a three-day warning strike over the recent dismissal of 127 health workers by the FCT Civil Service Commission. The strike, which started on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, is a response to what the Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) calls an “inhumane and illegal” action.
At a press briefing after their emergency congress meeting, Dr. George Ebong, President of the ARD-FCTA, stated that the dismissed workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists, were unjustly labeled as “ghost workers,” “ex-employees,” and “absconders.” He emphasized that the affected workers were still performing their duties and had no prior notice of their dismissal.
The doctors are demanding the immediate reinstatement of the affected health workers and payment of their April salaries. They also called for an apology letter to the workers and the resignation of the chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.
Dr. Ebong further warned that if the demands are not met by Friday, May 9, 2025, they will proceed with an indefinite strike, which could lead to the shutdown of FCT hospitals.
The strike has raised concerns about the operation of healthcare services in Abuja, as the affected workers are critical to the functioning of the city’s hospitals. The doctors have given FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a three-day ultimatum to address the issue.
