Wike: Striking Doctors’ Demands Being Addressed Through Due Process

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that the grievances of resident doctors currently on strike are being addressed in line with due process.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during the inauguration of a road project in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that resident doctors in the FCT began an indefinite strike on Monday over six months of unpaid salaries, manpower shortages, and a backlog of critical allowances.

“We lost our Head of Service; we just appointed an acting Head of Service. If the Permanent Secretary Treasury brings their bill now, why will I hold it? They will be paid. They should know that everything has procedure,” the minister explained.

He urged the doctors not to mix politics with civil service demands, stressing that while their concerns would be considered, proper procedures must be followed.

Wike also reacted to threats by the striking doctors to stage a protest at the gates of the FCT Administration.

“The DSS called me, that people said they will demonstrate, that we are paying attention to roads, we are not paying attention to health. Demonstration is allowed everywhere. Nobody will blackmail me, nobody will stop me from doing what I think is right,” he declared.

The minister further noted that his administration had made unprecedented provisions for healthcare in the 2025 capital budget, allocating ₦25 billion for projects in the sector.

He dismissed suggestions that other sectors were being neglected and criticized what he described as a culture of blackmail in the country.

“Demonstration and strike are democratic rights, and I am not opposed to any. But the right things must be done, and due process must be followed in the interest of the territory,” Wike added.

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