The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike and announced that members will resume duties on Monday, September 22, at 8 a.m.
Speaking with our correspondent on Friday, the President of the association, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision followed interventions from the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta.
He, however, noted that none of the doctors’ demands have been met, stressing that the suspension was only temporary.
The ARD-FCTA comprises doctors working in 14 district and general hospitals, as well as the Department of Public Health under the FCTA. The doctors began their industrial action last Monday after prolonged unresolved negotiations with the administration.
Their demands include payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
They are also calling for clear timelines to complete skipping and conversion processes, settlement of accumulated arrears, correction of erroneous deductions, and resolution of irregular salary payments. Other demands cover conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre, documented promotion timelines with arrears paid, wage award arrears, renovation of FCTA hospitals, hazard allowance arrears, and outstanding salaries for newly employed external residents.
“We are suspending the strike to begin work at 8 a.m. Monday morning. The Senate assured us that they will talk to the minister, and the Congress has decided to believe them. We also appreciate the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his interventions,” Dr. Ebong said.
He added that the Congress will reconvene to reassess the situation within the agreed timeframe and may resume industrial action if their demands remain unaddressed.
