The Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), FCT chapter, to immediately suspend their ongoing indefinite strike.
During an emergency meeting held on Thursday, the committee—chaired by Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South)—met with leaders of the striking doctors and assured them of swift intervention. The committee pledged to engage directly with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address the doctors’ grievances.
Senator Jimkuta acknowledged the severe impact of the strike on healthcare services in the capital territory and made an emotional appeal for the doctors to resume duty while negotiations continue.
“We are pleading with you, please return to work and continue saving lives. I will personally meet with the Minister tomorrow. I am confident that something concrete will come out of it,” Jimkuta said.
“We cannot stand by while people die because doctors are on strike.”
The Senator commended the doctors for what he described as a selfless and principled stance, noting that their demands are aimed at reviving Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system, rather than serving personal interests.
The FCT chapter of NARD commenced an indefinite strike last week, citing a range of unresolved issues including unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2023, unexplained deductions from allowances and failure to upgrade doctors who have completed specialist training but are still being paid as medical officers
In the meantime, the committee recommended a joint negotiation session involving the National Assembly, the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat and representatives of NARD FCT, to expedite resolution.
This, according to the committee, will enable direct dialogue and help establish a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis.
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