Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that the grievances of striking resident doctors in the territory are being addressed.
He noted that the matter is being handled through due process to ensure a lasting resolution.
Wike gave the assurance on Thursday, during the inauguration of a road project in Abuja, following the indefinite strike declared by doctors on Monday over six months of unpaid salaries, manpower shortages, and outstanding allowances.
The minister explained that administrative procedures must be followed to resolve the matter, stressing that government would not deliberately delay their entitlements.
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“We lost our Head of Service; we just appointed an acting Head of Service. If the Permanent Secretary Treasury brings their bill now, why will I hold it? They will be paid. They should know that everything has procedure,” he said.
Wike, however, cautioned the doctors against politicizing their demands, noting that while protests were a democratic right, they must not be used as blackmail.
“The DSS called me, that people said they will demonstrate, that we are paying attention to roads, we are not paying attention to health.
“Demonstration is allowed everywhere. Nobody will blackmail me, nobody will stop me from doing what I think is right,” he added.
The minister highlighted that his administration made unprecedented provisions for the health sector in the 2025 budget, disclosing that N25 billion was allocated for capital projects.
He dismissed insinuations that the health sector was being neglected in favour of infrastructure.
Wike concluded by reiterating that due process would be maintained.
“Demonstration and strike are democratic rights and I am not opposed to any, but the right things must be done in the interest of the territory,” he said.
