The Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has suspended its indefinite strike and directed members to return to duty by 8 a.m. on Monday.
Confirming the development in an interview with our correspondent on Friday, ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, said the decision followed interventions from the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta.
He stressed, however, that none of the doctors’ demands had been met.
“The Congress has agreed to suspend the strike and resume work on Monday, even though our demands remain outstanding. The Senate assured us of engaging the minister, and we have chosen to believe their commitment for now,” Ebong said.
The doctors had embarked on the strike last Monday after months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA. Their demands include the payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, and settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
They are also seeking the payment of arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes, and rectification of continuous erroneous deductions from members’ salaries.
Other key demands include the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant status within six months of passing, documented timelines for promotion exercises with full arrears, wage award arrears, improved hospital infrastructure, payment of outstanding hazard allowance arrears, and salary arrears for newly employed external residents owed three to four months’ pay.
Dr. Ebong expressed appreciation to the Senate and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for their interventions, but warned that the Congress would reconvene within the agreed timeframe to reassess progress.
“If nothing is done, the Congress will decide on the next line of action,” he said.
The ARD-FCTA comprises doctors working across 14 district and general hospitals in the territory, including the Department of Public Health.