…Says all demands approved, urges dialogue over blackmail

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has applauded the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT (ARD-FCTA), for suspending their indefinite strike, describing the decision as a patriotic move in the interest of residents and the nation.

Mr Wike gave the commendation on Friday during the flag-off of the Northern Parkway road construction project in Abuja.

He said: “First of all, let me thank the resident doctors of the FCT who have seen reasons for them to call off their strike, for the interest of the FCT, and for the interest of the nation. That is the way it’s supposed to be.”

He also praised senior FCTA officials including the Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Acting Head of Service, and Special Adviser on Administration for working tirelessly with the doctors to end the strike.

The ARD-FCTA had embarked on the industrial action on Monday, demanding settlement of salary arrears of up to six months for doctors employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and arrears from the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

On Friday morning, the association announced suspension of the strike, with doctors set to resume duty by 8 a.m. on Monday.

Dr George Ebong, President of the ARD-FCTA, explained that the decision followed intervention by the Senate. He, however, noted that none of the doctors’ core demands had been met at the time of suspension.

Responding, Mr Wike insisted that the FCTA had approved virtually all requests put forward by the doctors and dismissed claims of neglect.

“Before I came here, virtually all their requests, I have signed them. So all we have asked for is to give us ample opportunity to dialogue with you; there is no need to blackmail anybody. We are working for the interest of the citizens and residents of Abuja, and the entire Nigeria,” the minister said.

The doctors’ demands include clear timelines for promotions, conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre, settlement of wage award arrears, improved hospital facilities, and regularisation of salary payments