Doctors In the FCT Sustain Strike Action Despite Receiving Part of Their Outstanding Arrears

The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has confirmed the partial payment of salary arrears and the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) by the FCT Administration but says its indefinite strike will continue until all pending demands are fully addressed.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, the association described the payment as a positive first step toward meeting its demands but noted that several doctors were still excluded from the latest disbursements.

According to the statement, 28 doctors who had been owed salary arrears for periods ranging from one month to one year received payment two nights ago. However, it explained that the MRTF was not paid to all affected doctors, leaving 47 still awaiting their entitlements. Salaries for October were also paid on Tuesday.

ARD-FCTA, which represents doctors in 14 district and general hospitals as well as the Department of Public Health under the FCTA, began its indefinite strike on Saturday. The action aligns with the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to demand better working conditions, improved welfare, and fair remuneration.

Providing further details, the association stated, “Two nights ago, 28 doctors owed salary arrears for up to one year were paid. Some doctors also received their MRTF, but out of 150 owed, only 103 were settled, leaving 47 unpaid. Salaries for October were also released on Tuesday.”

While expressing appreciation to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for initiating responses to their concerns, the doctors insisted the strike would not be suspended until every outstanding issue is resolved.

“Our demands include the immediate payment of the remaining 47 doctors owed MRTF, settlement of external resident doctors owed six to seven months’ salaries, payment of skipping and promotion arrears, Post-Part 2 conversion arrears, implementation of the 25–35% CONMESS adjustment already applied in federal institutions, payment of wage awards and 13-month hazard allowance arrears since 2021, as well as improved working conditions and employment of more staff,” the statement read.

The association emphasized that the government should not wait for strikes before responding to workers’ grievances.

“We appreciate the efforts of the FCT Minister and the ongoing dialogues with the National Assembly and FCTA management. However, the indefinite strike continues until all outstanding demands are met,” the doctors stated.