The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike and directed members to resume work on Monday.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision followed the intervention of the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta.
He, however, pointed out that none of the doctors’ demands had been met.
The ARD-FCTA, which comprises doctors working in 14 district and general hospitals under the FCTA and the Department of Public Health, began the strike on Monday after months of unresolved negotiations with the administration.
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Their demands include:
- Payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023.
- Immediate recruitment of new staff.
- Settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Payment of arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
- Completion timelines for skipping and conversion processes.
- Correction of salary deductions and irregular payments.
- Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six months of passing.
- Documented timelines for promotions with arrears.
- Settlement of hazard allowance arrears and wage award arrears.
- Renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals.
- Payment of salaries owed to newly employed external residents, currently unpaid for three to four months.
READ ALSO: NARD Suspends Strike, Issues Fresh Ultimatum to Government
Dr. Ebong said Congress resolved to suspend the strike based on assurances from the Senate that it would engage the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“We are suspending the strike to begin work at 8 a.m. Monday morning. Even though none of our demands have been met, the Senate has assured us that they will engage the minister. Congress has decided to trust their word for now. We also appreciate the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his interventions,” he said.
He added that the association’s Congress will reconvene after the agreed timeframe to review progress and decide on the next steps if their demands remain unaddressed.
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.
