The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory has announced a seven-day warning strike, citing poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and unsatisfactory facilities. According to the association’s president, George Ebong, public hospitals in Abuja are facing numerous challenges, including infestations of snakes and other reptiles, which have resulted in the deaths of some doctors due to snake bites.
The strike, which began on September 8, 2025, is intended to prompt the Federal Capital Territory Administration to address the association’s demands. These include the immediate payment of salary arrears, recruitment of new doctors, and payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The association is also seeking the release of documented timelines for the completion of skipping and conversion for all members, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding mandating skipping of members within three months of employment.
The current state of Abuja’s hospitals has been described as deplorable and embarrassing, with doctors lacking basic equipment and consumables. The association has emphasized that the shutdown will remain in place until its demands are met. A communique issued after a meeting on September 5, 2025, outlined twelve resolutions, including the urgent renovation and upgrading of FCTA hospitals to world-class standards.
The association has expressed concern about the mental health of its members, stating that doctors are becoming mentally sick due to poor working conditions. This, in turn, is affecting their ability to provide adequate care to patients. The strike is seen as a last resort to bring attention to the critical issues facing the healthcare sector in Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration is expected to respond to the association’s demands during the seven-day strike period. If the issues are not resolved, the association may consider further action. The strike has significant implications for healthcare services in Abuja, and a swift resolution is necessary to ensure the well-being of patients and medical professionals alike.