The Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration began an indefinite strike on Monday.
This was revealed in a communique issued by the ARD-FCT on Monday, signed by its president, Dr. George Ebong, and general secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.
The group went on a seven-day warning strike last Monday to urge its demands after months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.
The ARD-FCTA is an association of medical doctors practising in the 14 district and general hospitals, including the Department of Public Health under the FCTA.
The doctors went on a warning strike last Monday to press their demands, following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.
In the statement, the organization stated that after reassessing the issues previously provided to management, Congress was deeply disappointed that none of the demands were met.
“This once again confirms our fears of the chronic neglect of our healthcare system affecting the effectiveness of the medical doctors in order to carry out care in the highest standard,” the doctors stated in the communique.
The doctors are requesting salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members hired since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of arrears arising from the 25-35% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
They also request clear timelines for skipping and conversion processes for all members.
They also urged that post-Part II Fellows be converted to the Consultant cadre within six months of passing, as well as established timeframes for promotion exercises with all arrears paid.
Other demands include paying wage award arrears, renovating and equipping FCTA hospitals to world-class standards, paying outstanding hazard allowance arrears, and settling salary arrears owing to freshly hired external residents who are currently owed three to four months’ compensation.
“After the most passionate and historic deliberations in ARD-FCT, Congress unanimously resolved that Congress shall embark on an indefinite strike action commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 15th September 2025, until the government and management demonstrate genuine commitment to making health in the FCT a priority.
“We do hope that the management will do the urgent needful to meet all of our demands for the sake of our patients and ourselves,” the communique added.
