Patients across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were stranded yesterday as resident doctors began a seven-day warning strike, paralyzing services in district and general hospitals.
The doctors, under the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT (ARD-FCT), say they are protesting systemic failures in the health sector, including manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, unpaid allowances, and poor working conditions.
Patients Left in Limbo
At Kubwa General Hospital, expectant mother Mary Adegbenro said she had to seek antenatal care in a private hospital. Her husband, Tunde, lamented: “We were told to come today for her registration, but now we have to pay more elsewhere.”
Other patients shared similar frustrations. An elderly man, Yusuf Muhammed, said his follow-up appointment after surgery was cancelled: “What if something happens before next week? Lives are at risk.”
At Maitama District Hospital, Paul Jackson said he spent over ₦30,000 at a private clinic after being turned away. “The government must act quickly. We cannot afford this,” he said.
Across facilities in Abaji, Kwali, Kuje, and Gwagwalada, our correspondents observed deserted wards and closed emergency units. Only nurses, consultants, and pharmacists were available to handle minor cases.
Why the Strike?
In a communiqué signed by ARD-FCT president George Ebong, the doctors described the FCT’s health system as “crippled by long-standing structural deficiencies” and warned the strike could become indefinite if demands are ignored.
Ebong said all 14 district hospitals and primary health centres under the FCTA are affected: “Everywhere we have doctors will be hit—general outpatient, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, dental, all.”
The strike comes amid broader tensions between the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the federal government, with NARD’s national ultimatum expiring on September 10.
Previous Warnings
December 2024: ARD-FCT issued a 21-day ultimatum over unpaid allowances and poor hospital conditions.
January 2025: A three-day strike over salary arrears was suspended after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike intervened.
May 2025: Another warning strike was staged after April salaries for 127 doctors were withheld.
Government Response
Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, told Channels TV he remains optimistic ongoing talks with NARD will avert a nationwide shutdown: “With the level of conversation ongoing, we are making progress.”
But FCT’s Health Services Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babagana Adam, declined to comment.
Call for Dialogue
Jos University Teaching Hospital CMD, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, urged constant engagement to avoid recurring strikes: “Doctors and nurses who remain in Nigeria are already making sacrifices. The government must aim for a win-win solution
