Abuja, Dec. 1, 2025 — The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike, which began on November 1, 2025, after receiving assurances from the government that their demands will be met.
The announcement was made by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, who confirmed that the strike had been called off for four weeks. He explained that the decision followed the approval of key demands by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, including improved welfare packages, better working conditions, and fair remuneration for doctors across the FCT’s public hospitals.
The strike had crippled services in 14 district and general hospitals, as well as the Department of Public Health under the FCTA, leaving patients stranded and stretching the capacity of remaining health workers. For a month, residents of Abuja faced severe disruptions in healthcare delivery, with many forced to seek treatment in private facilities at higher costs.
Dr. Ebong noted that while the suspension was a goodwill gesture, the union would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to implement the approved measures within the four-week window. “ARD-FCTA has suspended its strike for four weeks with the hope that the approvals from Mr. Minister will be implemented,” he said.
The development comes barely 24 hours after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) also suspended its nationwide strike, signaling a broader thaw in tensions between medical unions and government authorities. Analysts say the coordinated suspensions reflect a willingness to give the government time to act, but also highlight the fragility of Nigeria’s healthcare system, which remains vulnerable to industrial disputes.
The implications of the suspension are significant. For patients, it means a gradual return to normalcy in public hospitals across Abuja, though full restoration of services may take time as doctors resume duties and backlogs are cleared. For the government, it provides breathing space to implement reforms and demonstrate commitment to improving healthcare delivery. However, the four-week ultimatum underscores the urgency of action, as failure to meet expectations could trigger renewed strikes and further destabilize the sector.
Observers note that the episode illustrates the delicate balance between fiscal constraints and the urgent need to invest in human capital. With Nigeria grappling with inflation and budgetary pressures, sustaining improved welfare packages for doctors will require careful planning. Yet, many argue that prioritizing healthcare workers is essential to strengthening public health infrastructure and restoring confidence in the system.
For now, Abuja residents can expect doctors to return to work, but the next month will be critical in determining whether the truce holds or whether the capital faces another round of industrial unrest.
Sources: Punch The Punch, PM News P.M. News, Daily Post Daily Post Nigeria
