By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
FCT Resident Doctors in Nigeria Begin Indefinite Strike
Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory have commenced an indefinite strike, accusing authorities of failing to address long-standing demands relating to welfare, unpaid entitlements, and staff shortages.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCTA chapter, announced the action after an emergency general meeting on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, the association confirmed that the strike began at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, and will continue until government and management show “genuine commitment” to resolving the issues.
The union explained that the decision followed the collapse of talks after its seven-day warning strike last week, which was intended to pressure authorities into acting.
According to the doctors, none of their key demands—including prompt payment of allowances, improved welfare, and better staffing—was met.
Chairman of ARD-FCTA, Dr. George Ebong, said hospitals across the FCT are stretched to breaking point.
With 14 district and general hospitals, he noted that there are far too few doctors to meet the demand.
“In some cases, a doctor attends to over 30 or 40 patients in one day, and may carry out up to 10 caesarean sections,” he explained.
Ebong warned that the stress is taking a serious toll on medical staff, with many already placed on antidepressants and hypertension drugs due to workload pressures.
He added that at least 200 more doctors are urgently needed to relieve the pressure and ensure safer service delivery.
The association insists the strike will not be called off until government begins what it calls “meaningful dialogue” backed with clear timelines for implementation of agreements.
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