The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the demands of resident doctors who embarked on a strike on September 15 over unpaid arrears. The approval was announced during the inauguration of the Northern parkway construction project from Ring Road II to Ring III on Shehu Yar’Adua way in Abuja.
Mr. Wike commended the doctors for calling off the strike, citing the administration’s appreciation for their understanding in the interest of patients and the territory. He confirmed that all requests from the doctors have been signed, directing the FCT acting Head of Service and the Senior Special Adviser on Administration, Samuel Atang, to implement the agreements accordingly.
The resident doctors had occupied the picket lines to press for the payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months, owed to members employed since 2023. Other demands included the immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. They also sought clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes for all members.
The strike, which lasted for several weeks, was called off following negotiations between the doctors and the FCT Administration. The approval of their demands is expected to bring relief to the doctors and improve healthcare services in the territory.
The construction of the Northern parkway, which was also inaugurated by the Minister, is expected to create more employment opportunities, ease traffic congestion in the city, and boost economic activities. The project is part of the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents in the Federal Capital Territory.
With the demands of the resident doctors approved, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the agreements and the resumption of full healthcare services in the territory. The development is a welcome relief for patients and the medical community, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the overall healthcare system in the Federal Capital Territory.
