FCT Doctors Embark On 3-Day Strike, Give Wike Ultimatumoo
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has declared a three-day warning strike beginning Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
The decision followed an emergency congress held on Monday at the Asokoro District Hospital, where members unanimously agreed to the strike action.
President of the FCT ARD, Dr. George Ebong, stated that the strike was prompted by the sudden dismissal of 127 health workers by the FCT Civil Service Commission last Friday. He described the action as “inhumane and illegal,” alleging that it was carried out without due process.
“These individuals were wrongfully labelled as ghost workers, ex-employees, and absconders, yet many are still actively working in the system,” Dr. Ebong said.
He criticized the commission for failing to consult with key stakeholders—including the Health and Human Services Secretariat, the Health Management Board, the ARD, and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)—before making the decision.
Dr. Ebong also highlighted that the affected workers span across various health professions, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, and non-clinical staff. Notably, three managing directors of FCT hospitals were also among those dismissed.
“If these 127 health workers were truly ghost workers, how have the hospitals continued to function? This action demonstrates a clear lack of understanding and coordination,” he said.
The ARD is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all dismissed staff, payment of their withheld April salaries, and a formal apology to the affected workers. Additionally, they are calling for the resignation of the FCT Civil Service Commission chairman, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.
“This is a three-day warning strike starting Tuesday, May 6, at 8:00 a.m. If by Friday, May 9, our demands are not met, we will proceed with an indefinite strike and shut down hospitals across the FCT,” Dr. Ebong warned.
