The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved all demands made by resident doctors who went on strike over unpaid entitlements.
The doctors had been on strike since September 15, pressing for several key issues to be addressed, including payment of salary arrears, recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and hazard allowance arrears.
Minister Wike announced the approval during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III along Shehu Yar’Adua Way in Abuja. He commended the doctors for calling off the strike, noting that their decision was in the best interest of patients and healthcare services in the territory.
Wike directed the FCT Acting Head of Service and Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Samuel Atang, to ensure swift execution of the approvals.
Key Demands Approved by Minister Wike
- Payment of Salary Arrears: Payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for doctors employed since 2023.
- Recruitment of New Staff: immediate recruitment of new medical staff to alleviate severe manpower shortages.
- Medical Residency Training Fund: Settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Hazard Allowance Arrears: Payment of outstanding hazard allowance arrears.
The doctors had grounded operations in all FCTA-owned hospitals over unpaid arrears and other unresolved issues.The strike had disrupted healthcare delivery across Abuja, raising concerns about the potential for an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.
With the minister’s approval, the doctors have called off the strike, and healthcare services are expected to return to normal. Minister Wike’s decision to approve the doctors’ demands demonstrates his commitment to improving healthcare services in the FCT.
The implementation of these approvals is expected to bring relief to the doctors and improve the overall quality of healthcare in the territory.
