ABUJA, Nigeria — Doctors in Nigeria’s capital are warning of a one-week strike, citing critical workforce shortages and poor welfare conditions that have left the health system at breaking point.
The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), after its 3rd Quarter General Meeting on Friday, said the last major recruitment of doctors in the territory was in 2011. Since then, retirements, deaths, and mass emigration have created what it described as “a dangerous manpower gap.”
“We cannot continue with systemic neglect. Manpower shortages, poor conditions, and unpaid allowances must be urgently addressed,” ARD-FCT President, Dr George Ebong told reporters in Abuja.
He warned that if reforms were not implemented within seven days, resident doctors would commence an industrial action.
The association also highlighted unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of promoted staff. “Doctors are overstretched, covering multiple departments, and morale is at its lowest. Frontline health professionals must be included in decision-making,” Ebong added.
Responding, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, assured that the administration was working to ease the crisis.
She confirmed that appointment letters for 60 house officers, 70 pharmacists, and 60 laboratory scientists would be released soon.
Healthcare experts warn that even a temporary strike could cripple services in the capital. With Nigeria already battling a severe brain drain in the medical sector, the doctors’ threat underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and prioritisation of health workforce development.
