The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has suspended its indefinite strike, with members set to return to duty on Monday at 8 a.m. following a Senate intervention.

Confirming the development on Friday, ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong said the decision to suspend the action was taken despite the fact that none of the doctors’ demands have been met.

“We are suspending the strike to begin work at 8 a.m. Monday morning,” Dr. Ebong explained.
“The Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by David Jimkuta, intervened. Even though none of our demands have been met yet, they assured us they will talk to the minister, and the Congress has decided to believe what the Senate has said. We also appreciate the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his interventions.”

The strike, which began on Monday, was to press home long-standing demands. The doctors, who work in 14 district and general hospitals and the Department of Public Health, are calling for:

• Payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023.
• Recruitment of new staff to ease the workload.
• Settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
• Arrears from the 25–35% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
• Timelines for skipping, conversion, and promotion processes with full arrears.
• Resolution of erroneous salary deductions and irregular payment patterns.
• Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six months of passing.
• Renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to world-class standards.
• Payment of hazard allowance arrears and wage award arrears.

Dr. Ebong stressed that the Congress will reconvene to reassess the Senate’s promises within an agreed timeframe, warning that if no progress is made, members may consider further action.

The FCT resident doctors’ strike suspension provides a temporary relief for patients and the health sector, but the underlying issues remain unresolved, making the coming weeks critical for negotiations.