The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) has suspended its indefinite strike, announcing a return to work across 14 district and general hospitals, including the Department of Public Health, from 8 a.m. Monday, following urgent Senate appeals despite unresolved demands for salary arrears and welfare improvements.

ARD-FCT President Dr. George Ebong disclosed the decision to PUNCH, crediting the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South), for averting a crisis. The lawmakers, in Thursday's session, pledged direct engagement with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, urging suspension to prioritize patient care amid the "Japa" exodus of medical talent.

Ebong noted appreciation for Wike's efforts but clarified no demands were met, with Congress set to reassess within an agreed timeframe; failure could prompt renewed action.

The strike, launched September 15 after a seven-day warning expired, stemmed from months of stalled talks with FCTA over unpaid 2023 salaries (one to six months), non-disbursal of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and arrears from the 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.

Other grievances include delayed skipping/conversions, erroneous deductions, irregular payments, hazard allowance shortfalls, and under-equipped hospitals—last recruited in 2011—exacerbating long hours and psychological strain.

ARD-FCT General Secretary Agbor Affiong, in the September 14 communiqué, decried "harmful medicine" in crumbling facilities, arranging patient referrals to Garki Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, and privates during the action.

The indefinite halt crippled services, discharging stable patients and suspending routines, per Premium Times reports, with Ebong emphasizing patriotism over self-interest. Nigeria's healthcare woes claim 58,000 maternal lives yearly (WHO), with strikes compounding a 30% doctor shortage.