Tinubu Approves ₦25bn for FCT Health as Wike Ends Doctors’ Strike
On Friday, Wike addressed the striking doctors, stating: “I have signed all the doctors’ requests on my table today.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has allocated ₦25 billion to health projects in the 2025 capital budget for the FCT. The disclosure comes alongside Wike’s announcement that he has approved the demands of striking FCT resident doctors, bringing their industrial action to an end.
While flagging off the construction of Arterial Road N1—from Wuye District to Ring Road II—on Thursday, Wike said the health allocation demonstrates that no sector in Abuja is being neglected. He described criticism that the administration is favouring roads over health as “political noise”, affirming that the ₦25 billion earmarked for healthcare reflects equal priority.
The resident doctors in the FCT had been on strike since September 15, citing multiple grievances: unpaid salary arrears of one to six months for staff employed since 2023; delayed payment into the Medical Residency Training Fund; unsettled allowances from the 25-35% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS); correction of irregular salary deductions; hazard allowance arrears of 13 months; wage award arrears; and unresolved external residents’ payments.
On Friday, Wike addressed the striking doctors, stating: “I have signed all the doctors’ requests on my table today.” He commended them for agreeing to call off the strike in the interest of patients and the greater FCT community.
The strike suspension takes effect following the minister’s assurances. Doctors are expected to resume work, with relief that the government has agreed to their core demands. For residents and patients in Abuja, this development marks the end of several tense days marked by disruptions in hospital services.
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