Abuja — Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared an indefinite strike, effective Monday, September 15, 2025, over the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances.
The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT (ARD-FCTA), acting on resolutions from an emergency meeting held on September 14, announced the industrial action in a communiqué signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.
Their demands include improved welfare, payment of outstanding entitlements, and better working conditions for doctors. The strike follows a seven-day warning strike that did not yield satisfactory responses from authorities.
The doctors emphasized that in many public hospitals within the FCT, one doctor is responsible for dozens of patients, with doctors performing multiple operations under pressure. They also cited staff shortages and growing emotional and physical strain among medical personnel.
Hospitals in the FCT have begun discharging patients who require continued care, including pregnant women, children and the elderly, as services are severely impacted.
The resident doctors say they will not return to work until there’s credible action from the government and hospital management to resolve their concerns
