I have Approved All Requests By FCT Doctors who went on strike – Wike

The decision, revealed during the flag-off of the Northern Parkway construction project, comes just days after the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in FCTA hospitals suspended their industrial action following intense negotiations.

Wike, speaking at the event in Abuja’s outskirts, commended the doctors for their “understanding” and prompt decision to call off the strike, which began on September 15 amid grievances over unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2023, unexplained deductions from allowances, stalled promotions for qualified specialists, and demands for hazard allowances and CONMESS salary adjustments. 

“I must commend the resident doctors for calling off the strike; the administration is happy with their understanding. I have signed all the doctors’ requests on my table today,” Wike declared, directing the FCT Acting Head of Service and Senior Special Adviser on Administration, Samuel Atang, to ensure immediate implementation.

The minister’s approval addresses a litany of long-standing issues, including the payment of 13 months of hazard allowance arrears, recruitment of additional medical personnel, and renovations to FCTA hospitals—demands that had escalated after a seven-day warning strike in late August. 

Earlier in the week, Wike had accused elements within the civil service of inciting the action for political sabotage, revealing that the FCT’s 2025 budget allocates ₦25 billion for health sector capital expenditure. 

He emphasized that bureaucratic delays, not neglect, had prolonged the crisis, as the budget was only approved by the National Assembly in July.

The Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils had intervened on Thursday, pleading with the doctors to suspend the strike and pledging to engage Wike directly.