The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised the alarm over unsafe hospitals, chronic neglect of medical staff, and general failure in the healthcare system in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
National president of NARD, Dr Osundara Tope Zenith, gave the warning in an exclusive interview with Pinnacle Daily.
The NARD national president’s warning comes as the FCT chapter of the professional body commenced a seven-day warning strike.
Dr Zenith stated that public hospitals in Abuja have been “overtaken by snakes and other reptiles,” creating life-threatening risks for medical staff and patients alike.
“FCTA doctors have every right to demand what is due to them. The government has failed to address these issues honestly and holistically. Doctors face life-threatening risks daily while performing their duties,” he said.
George Ebong, president of ARD-FCT, confirmed that doctors in Abuja have suffered multiple snake bites and face unsafe working conditions. He stressed that the strike would continue until the FCTA met all demands.
“Our members are mentally and physically strained. The working environment is unsafe, and doctors are stretched across multiple departments without adequate support,” Ebong said.
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Both NARD and ARD-FCT cited longstanding issues that have forced doctors to act. These include:
- Outstanding salary arrears
- Manpower shortages and overstretched departments
- Deduction of salaries without explanation
- Delays in promotion exercises
- Dysfunctional and poorly maintained hospital equipment
“These issues are not new to government agencies, yet their response, or lack of it, remains mendacious. Ignoring urgent matters leaves a bitter taste,” the NARD president added.
The seven-day warning strike underscores the seriousness of the crisis and signals the urgency for reform in the nation’s capital’s healthcare system.
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The national president and ARD-FCT are calling for prompt intervention of the Minister of State-FCTA, the Permanent Secretary, and the Ministry of Health.
“Immediate action is needed to restore service delivery and ensure the safety of both medical staff and patients,” the NARD president said.
Dr. Zenith noted that Abuja’s hospitals, like many across Nigeria, have suffered from underfunding, poor planning, and weak administration.
The strike highlights how unsafe work conditions and unresolved administrative challenges threaten not only the wellbeing of doctors but also the wider public relying on essential services.
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The revelations expose deeper issues within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Without intervention, prolonged strikes and continued neglect could compromise emergency care, outpatient services, and maternal and child health programs in the FCT.
“Doctors are mentally and physically strained. When hospitals are unsafe, it is not just a failure of the system; it is a threat to human life,” the NARD president warned.
The coming days will reveal whether government officials act decisively or whether the strike escalates, potentially affecting millions of residents in Abuja and surrounding areas.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
