On May 5, 2025, doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commenced a three-day warning strike to protest unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and inadequate hospital infrastructure.
The strike, affecting major hospitals like the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, and Asokoro District Hospital, follows months of unresolved disputes with the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike. The ARD issued a 14-day ultimatum to Wike, demanding immediate payment of salary arrears, implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and recruitment of additional medical staff to address chronic understaffing.
The strike was triggered by the non-payment of salaries for some doctors, particularly new hires, for up to six months, alongside delays in hazard allowances and promotion benefits. The ARD highlighted that many FCT hospitals lack essential equipment, such as functional CT scanners and ventilators, compromising patient care. Doctors also cited unsafe working conditions, including exposure to infectious diseases without adequate protective gear, as a major grievance. The strike has disrupted outpatient services, elective surgeries, and routine consultations, though emergency units remain partially operational with skeleton staff.
The ultimatum to Wike, set to expire on May 19, 2025, warns of an indefinite strike if demands are not met. The ARD has accused the FCT Administration of prioritizing infrastructure projects, like road construction, over healthcare funding, despite a 2025 health budget of ₦103 billion. The doctors’ action comes amid broader concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, with the Nigerian Medical Association reporting that over 2,000 doctors left the country in 2024 due to poor remuneration and burnout.
Patients in Abuja have faced significant disruptions, with many referred to private facilities, raising costs for low-income families. The FCT Administration has promised to engage the ARD in dialogue, but no resolution has been reached as of May 5, heightening tensions in the capital’s healthcare sector.