Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have come to a standstill as medical doctors employed by the FCT Administration initiated a three-day warning strike following the dismissal of 127 health workers from service.
The strike, which started at 8am on Tuesday, was decided during an emergency congress of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) held on Monday.
The ARD-FCTA announced in a communique that the industrial action became necessary after the FCT Civil Service Commission withheld their April salaries.
The communique, signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr George Ebong, and General Secretary Dr Agbor Affiong, condemned the government’s decision to remove the affected workers from the payroll without prior notice or consultation, characterising the move as “arbitrary and unjust.”
According to the association, the dismissed workers, comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and non-clinical staff, had been wrongfully labelled as ghost workers or absconders, despite their active participation in hospital operations.
The communique expressed, “We observe with deep anger and utmost disappointment the arbitrary and unjust withholding of April salaries affecting 127 members of our association and other health workers, despite these staff undergoing the tedious verification process organised by the commission. This action was taken without any prior notice or due diligence, and this is completely unacceptable.”
The ARD-FCTA highlighted that over 100 dedicated staff have been denied their rightful earnings, resulting in “untold emotional, physical, psychological, and financial hardship.”
They also criticised the lack of communication from the FCT Hospital Management Board, with reports that several hospital managing directors were unaware of the sackings.
“What is equally disturbing is the complete exclusion of key stakeholders from this decision-making process by the Civil Service Commission.
“The Medical Directors of the affected hospitals, the Director General of the Hospital Management Board, the Permanent Secretary of Health, and even the Mandate Secretary were all sidelined. This lack of consultation reveals a clear breakdown in governance and accountability,” they said.
They also expressed their frustration towards the Civil Service Commission, characterising its actions as “a source of frustration and deliberate sabotage.”
The ARD-FCTA accused the Commission of exhibiting “blatant arrogance, rudeness, and disdain” towards staff who sought clarification on the matter.
The association is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers, their inclusion back on the payroll, the prompt release of their withheld April salaries, and a written apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Dr Emeka Ezeh.
They are also calling for Dr Ezeh’s resignation, citing alleged administrative sabotage and toxic leadership.
The doctors have issued a three-day ultimatum to FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, ending on Friday, May 9, 2025, to address their concerns. Failure to meet their demands will lead to an indefinite strike that will further disrupt public hospitals in the FCT.
In addition to the strike, ARD-FCTA has announced plans for a peaceful protest march to the FCT Administration headquarters to seek urgent intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
