Health

FCT Doctors Indefinite Strike Leaves Patients Stranded

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2025

FCT doctors indefinite strike leaves pregnant women, children and elderly stranded as hospitals discharge patients and services grind to a halt

The action, declared by the Association of Resident Doctors in the FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA), follows the expiration of a seven-day warning strike after protracted negotiations with the government failed.

Also read: Doctors’ Strike Ultimatum Looms Despite Hopeful Talks With FG, Says NMA

In a communique signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr Agbor Affiong, the doctors said their demands—including the payment of salary arrears, recruitment of new staff, release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and settlement of salary adjustments under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure—remained unmet.

They also called for the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six months, settlement of promotion arrears, correction of salary deductions, and urgent renovation of FCTA hospitals.

“Congress unanimously resolved that an indefinite strike action commence from 8:00 a.m., Monday, 15 September 2025, until the government demonstrates genuine commitment,” the communique read.

A visit to Wuse, Asokoro, and Maitama District Hospitals revealed chaotic scenes, with pregnant women, children, and elderly patients left unattended.

At Wuse District Hospital, Mrs Juliet Chima lamented paying ₦8,000 in fees only to find no doctor available for her five-year-old daughter, who has persistent stomach pain. “Going to a private clinic is expensive, and I can’t afford it. This is really frustrating,” she said.

Another mother, visibly distressed, said her eight-year-old daughter had been shivering since morning. “The government should attend to the demands of the doctors. It’s not easy dealing with a health condition in this country,” she pleaded.

A 69-year-old man, Mr Osadolor, who normally undergoes medical checks ahead of his birthday, said he had been turned back twice. “This year’s check-up seems impossible. But I pray the government listens to them,” he added.

Pregnant women also bore the brunt. One expectant mother at Asokoro Hospital said she had been asked to return for a rescheduled appointment but was shocked to find doctors unavailable. “Other women have gone. They said nobody is attending to us,” she said.

At Maitama Hospital, the labour, female, male, paediatric, and ante/post-natal wards had been emptied, while only one consultant doctor was seen at the General Outpatient Department struggling to attend to patients.

Mrs Ojuolape Abe, a mother of twins, said her children were denied treatment. “I was just told the doctors are on strike, and there is nothing they can do,” she said angrily, appealing for urgent intervention to prevent avoidable deaths.

Although some immunisation and registration services continued under the supervision of nurses, critical medical services have ground to a halt.

Observers warn that the prolonged strike could trigger preventable fatalities unless the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Ministry of Health intervene swiftly to meet the doctors’ demands.

Also read: Nigeria Health Sector Strike Deepens Amid Nurses’, Doctors’ Crisis

For now, patients remain stranded, hospital wards stand locked, and uncertainty hangs heavy over Abuja’s healthcare system.

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Health

How Nigerians Can Stay Safe as El Niño Threatens Heat, Drought

Published

2 days ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

El Niño safety tips for Nigerians: NEMA urges households to prepare for extreme heat, conserve water, protect food supplies and follow weather alerts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the potential effects of El Niño, warning that the climate phenomenon could contribute to extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns, drought and food shortages.

Also read: Chinese Brands Drop Mbappe Over Mao Joke Controversy

In an advisory issued on Monday titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” the agency outlined eight measures individuals, households and communities can adopt to reduce their exposure to climate-related risks.

“Super El Niño can cause hotter temperatures, less rainfall, drought, floods and food shortages,” NEMA warned.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.

It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.

The phenomenon can influence atmospheric circulation, affecting temperatures and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world. Its effects, however, vary by region and depend on local climate conditions.

According to PUNCH, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) reported in its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Update and August-September-October rainfall forecast that a strong El Niño event had begun developing in 2026.

NiMet said the event was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October period and could have implications for rainfall patterns in Nigeria.

NEMA has therefore advised Nigerians to take the following steps to protect themselves, their families and their livelihoods.

Prepare for extreme heat

NEMA advised Nigerians to drink clean water regularly, avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, and wear lightweight clothing and hats. The agency also recommended sunscreen use and urged people to check regularly on children, older people and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Conserve water

Households should use water carefully, repair leaking taps and pipes, and store water in clean, covered containers. NEMA also encouraged residents to keep their surroundings clean to help protect water sources from contamination.

Protect food supplies and livelihoods

The agency urged families to maintain adequate food supplies for emergencies and encouraged communities to support local farming and home gardening.

Farmers were advised to protect livestock and poultry, adopt improved agricultural practices and drought-resistant crops where suitable, and explore available government and partner support programmes.

NEMA also recommended diversifying income sources to reduce the effects of climate-related disruptions on household earnings.

Pay attention to health and sanitation

Nigerians were advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and dehydration, maintain proper sanitation and practise regular handwashing.

Keeping surroundings clean can also help reduce exposure to diseases associated with poor sanitation and contaminated water. NEMA urged people who become unwell to seek medical attention promptly.

Reduce exposure during peak heat hours

The agency recommended limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.

Where outdoor activities cannot be avoided, people should seek shade, wear protective head coverings, take regular breaks and drink water. NEMA also advised households to schedule demanding activities for early mornings or late evenings when conditions may be cooler.

Strengthen community preparedness

NEMA called on residents to participate in community preparedness and early-warning initiatives, share reliable safety information with neighbours and check on vulnerable people.

Community cooperation, the agency said, can help households respond more effectively to climate-related emergencies.

Follow official weather updates

Nigerians were advised to monitor updates from NEMA, NiMet and other trusted media outlets, follow official warnings and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

Also read: Chinese Brands Drop Mbappe Over Mao Joke Controversy

The agency’s advisory emphasises the importance of early preparation as changing weather conditions can affect public health, agriculture, water availability and household food security.