Breaking News: Abuja Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Wike’s Refusal to Address Demands
Medical services in the Federal Capital Territory face fresh disruption as the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has embarked on an indefinite strike following the refusal of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address their longstanding demands.
The strike, which commenced on Monday, September 15, 2025, comes barely a week after the doctors concluded a seven-day warning strike.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, explained that the decision was reached after a congress of members on Sunday. He emphasized that the action was not directed at the minister personally but was a reaction to the worsening state of healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.
“This strike is not targeted at the minister or any individual, but against a failed health system. We call on the FCT Minister to do the needful. The congress has mandated that until our demands are met, we will continue with the indefinite strike,” Ebong said.
Among the grievances raised by the doctors are:
Non-payment of 26 members despite seven months of dialogue.
Continued unemployment affecting patient care.
Unexplained salary deductions and promotion delays since 2023.
Acute shortage of medical equipment, with some hospitals lacking basic X-ray facilities.
The union insisted that both financial and non-financial demands must be urgently addressed to avoid further deterioration of healthcare services in Abuja.
With the indefinite strike now in effect, patients across FCT public hospitals are expected to bear the brunt of the shutdown until government authorities intervene.