FCT Doctors’ Strike Persists Despite Partial Payment of Salary Arrears

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has confirmed the partial payment of salary arrears and the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) by the FCT Administration but says its indefinite strike will continue until all outstanding demands are met.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, the association acknowledged the payments as a positive step but expressed concern that several doctors were still left out of the recent disbursement.

According to the statement, 28 doctors who had been owed arrears for periods ranging from one month to one year received their payments two nights ago.

However, only 103 out of 150 doctors owed the MRTF were paid, leaving 47 others yet to receive their entitlements. October salaries were also paid on Tuesday.

The ARD-FCTA, which represents doctors across 14 district and general hospitals under the FCT Administration, commenced its strike on Saturday in line with the directive of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), demanding better working conditions, fair remuneration, and improved welfare.

Dr. Ebong noted that while the union appreciates the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the strike would continue until all pending issues are fully addressed.