The Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to immediately call off their ongoing strike.
The committee, during an emergency meeting on Thursday, assured the doctors that their grievances are being taken seriously and promised swift engagement with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to work toward a resolution.
Led by Chairman Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South), the committee met with the leadership of the striking doctors and pledged to escalate the matter directly to the minister. Senator Jimkuta acknowledged the severe consequences of the industrial action on healthcare services across the territory and appealed to the doctors to return to work while negotiations continue.
“We appeal to you—please go back to work and continue saving lives,” he said. “I will personally meet with the Minister tomorrow, and I’m optimistic that we’ll reach a meaningful outcome. We cannot afford to let lives be lost because doctors are on strike.”
He praised the doctors for what he described as a principled and selfless stand, emphasizing that their demands are aimed at reviving a failing health system rather than serving personal interests.
The FCT NARD chapter had embarked on an indefinite strike last week, citing unresolved issues including unpaid salary arrears from 2023, unexplained deductions from their allowances, and the government’s failure to promote qualified resident doctors who have completed specialist training but continue to receive lower pay as medical officers.
In a bid to find a lasting solution, the committee also proposed a joint meeting involving the National Assembly, FCT health authorities, and representatives of the striking doctors to enable direct dialogue and effective negotiation.
