BREAKING: Abuja Resident Doctors Embark on 3-Day Warning Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Unlawful Dismissals
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has commenced a 3-day warning strike, effective from Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to protest the unlawful dismissal of 127 health workers and the non-payment of their April salaries. The strike, which was announced after an emergency congress meeting at Asokoro District Hospital, is expected to last until Friday, May 9, 2025.
According to the President of the FCT ARD, Dr. George Ebong, the dismissals were carried out by the FCT Civil Service Commission without due diligence, and the affected workers were labelled as "ghost workers" despite being active employees. Dr. Ebong described the action as "inhumane and unlawful" and demanded the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed workers, payment of their April salaries, and an apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.
The doctors are also calling for the resignation of Mr. Ezeh, citing his "arrogance, rudeness, and disdain" towards health workers. If their demands are not met within the 3-day warning period, the doctors have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike, which could lead to the shutdown of hospitals across the nation’s capital.
In a communique issued after the emergency meeting, the ARD-FCTA expressed its disappointment and anger at the arbitrary and unjust withholding of April salaries affecting 127 members of the association and other health workers. The communique also highlighted the exclusion of key stakeholders from the decision-making process by the Civil Service Commission, which it described as a "clear breakdown in governance and accountability."
The ARD-FCTA has resolved to declare a 3-day warning strike, effective from May 6 to May 9, 2025, and has demanded immediate payment of withheld salaries, an unreserved apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, and his immediate resignation. The association has also called for a public disclaimer from the Hospital Management Board affirming that all affected members are duly recognized and verified staff.
In a statement, Dr. Ebong said, "We will not remain silent while our members are disrespected, underpaid, and emotionally battered. Enough is enough!" The ARD-FCTA has appealed to the Honourable Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to intervene and ensure a swift resolution of the issues.
The strike is expected to affect healthcare services in Abuja, with patients likely to face difficulties in accessing medical care. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Key Demands:
- Immediate payment of April salaries to affected health workers
- Reinstatement of dismissed health workers
- Apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission
- Resignation of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission
- Public disclaimer from the Hospital Management Board affirming the status of affected health workers
Reaction:
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have expressed solidarity with the ARD-FCTA, condemning the actions of the FCT Civil Service Commission. The NMA has called for an immediate resolution of the issues, while NARD has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the demands of the ARD-FCTA are not met.
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has been urged to intervene in the matter and ensure that the issues are resolved amicably. The Minister has been praised for his efforts in transforming infrastructure in the FCT, but the health sector is still awaiting similar attention.
As the situation continues to unfold, Media Talk Africa will provide updates and analysis on the developments. Stay tuned for further updates.
