The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike and announced that members will return to work on Monday, September 22, 2025, by 8:00 am.
This was made known by the President of the association, Dr George Ebong, on Friday. He said the decision to suspend the strike was made after the intervention of the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters.
The strike, which began on Monday, was over long-standing complaints about poor working conditions, poor remuneration, and lack of adequate support for healthcare professionals working in FCT hospitals and facilities.
Dr Ebong stated that even though none of the doctors’ demands had been met yet, the association decided to show good faith by suspending the action, especially out of respect for the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Senate committee’s promise to engage with the minister on their behalf.
“The Senate intervened. Even though none of our demands have been met yet, they assured us that they will talk to the minister,” he said. “We hope the minister will listen to us, because we respect him.”
He added that the association expects the government to fulfil its promises and respond to their concerns quickly to avoid another breakdown in healthcare services within the territory.
The FCT health sector was seriously affected by the strike, as many public hospitals and clinics experienced a shortage of medical staff. Patients were left stranded, and only emergency services were available in most facilities.
The doctors had earlier listed several grievances, including:
Non-payment of outstanding salaries and allowances
Lack of medical equipment and consumables
Inadequate staff welfare and poor working environment
ARD-FCTA warned that if meaningful action is not taken soon, they may have no choice but to resume the strike in the future.
“We are not calling off the strike because our problems have been solved,” Dr Ebong said. “We are only suspending it to give room for further dialogue. But if nothing happens soon, we may have to go back.”
The intervention by the Senate Committee is seen as a positive step to avoid further disruption in medical services in Abuja, especially as the country continues to struggle with a fragile health system.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is yet to release an official statement on the matter, but political observers believe that his response in the coming days will determine whether the truce holds or not.
Nigerians have continued to call on the government to take healthcare more seriously and improve the welfare of doctors and other medical workers who are often forced to work under tough conditions.
For now, residents of Abuja can expect hospitals to return to full operation from Monday.
