Wike Flags Off Lifecamp Parkway Project, Approves Resident Doctors’ Demands

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr Nyesom Wike, has approved the demands of resident doctors who have been on strike since September 15 over unpaid arrears.

Wike made the disclosure during the flag-off of the Northern Parkway construction project, linking Ring Road II to Ring Road III along Shehu Yar’Adua Way in Lifecamp, Abuja.

He commended the doctors for suspending their industrial action in the interest of patients and the territory, noting that he had already signed all pending files relating to their requests.

“I must commend the resident doctors for calling off the strike. The administration is happy with their understanding. I have signed all their requests on my table today,” Wike said.

The minister directed the FCT Acting Head of Service and his Senior Special Adviser on Administration, Dr Samuel Atang, to immediately implement the approvals.

Resident doctors had embarked on strike last Monday following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.

Their demands include payment of salary arrears of between one and six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, and settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.

They are also pressing for arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes, correction of irregular salary payments, and stoppage of erroneous deductions.

Other demands include immediate payment of wage award arrears, settlement of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, and outstanding payments to 2025 external residents.

Speaking on the road project, Wike said the new infrastructure would create jobs, ease traffic congestion within the city, and boost economic activities.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji