Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory have vowed to continue their ongoing strike action until all their demands are fully met, despite appeals from authorities to resume work. The FCT chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors said their situation is “peculiar” and that they will not back down until tangible action is taken by the government to resolve long-standing issues affecting their welfare and work environment.

According to the group, their grievances include delayed salary payments, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances that have accumulated over time. The doctors explained that these challenges have made it increasingly difficult to deliver effective healthcare services across hospitals in the nation’s capital.

The association recently began a seven-day warning strike to draw attention to their plight. However, following what they describe as a lack of meaningful engagement from government representatives, they have resolved to extend the industrial action indefinitely. “Our situation in FCTA is peculiar. Even if the national body calls off its strike, we will continue until our own issues are addressed,” one of the union leaders stated.

The prolonged strike has already begun to take a toll on healthcare delivery in the region, with many public hospitals operating at minimal capacity. Patients requiring urgent care are being referred to private facilities, further straining already high medical costs for families.

Observers say the standoff highlights broader structural issues within Nigeria’s healthcare system, including funding challenges, staff shortages, and bureaucratic delays in meeting workers’ entitlements. The doctors’ union has urged the government to act swiftly to prevent a total collapse of medical services in the FCT.

As tensions rise, the business of healthcare continues to bear the cost — both financially and socially.

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