Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have started on an indefinite strike starting Monday, September 15, 2025, following what they describe as the government’s persistent failure to tell their long-standing grievances.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by Dr. Agbor Affiong, General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA (ARD-FCTA), after an Emergency General Meeting held on Sunday.
This action follows the failure of management to address any of our legitimate demands, even after a one-week warning strike, the statement read.
The doctors vowed not to resume duties until the government and hospital management show genuine commitment to improving the welfare of doctors and safeguarding the health of FCT residents.
Last week, the association staged a seven-day warning strike to press for better working conditions, payment of outstanding entitlements, and solutions to acute manpower shortages. They argue that poor welfare and overstretched staff are worsening both morale and patient care.
Chairman, Dr. George Ebong, warned that a full strike was imminent if meaningful dialogue did not take place.
We have 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT, yet there is a severe shortage of doctors and specialists. In many cases, one doctor is left to attend to more than 30 or 40 patients and may perform up to 10 caesarean sections, Ebong said.
According to him, the FCT needs at least 200 additional doctors, but staffing levels are far below this requirement. He added that the overwhelming workload has pushed some doctors onto antidepressants and antihypertensive medications.
