Health services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, and other hospitals across the country were on Friday 12th of September, 2025 disrupted as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) commenced a five-day warning strike.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Adegboyega Ridwan, Senior Registrar at FMC Abeokuta and President of ARD in the centre, said the action followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet longstanding demands despite repeated ultimatums.
“We commenced our strike with effect from 8 a.m. this morning due to certain demands we presented to the Federal Government, and by extension some state governments,” Ridwan explained. “Some of these demands had been promised, some affirmed to an extent, but suddenly they are not forthcoming from the part of government.”
He listed the outstanding issues to include the non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which affects more than 2,000 resident doctors nationwide — including those at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and University College Hospital, Ibadan. Other grievances include unpaid arrears, delays in implementing the reviewed consolidated salary structure, and failure to honor earlier agreements.
“This is a warning strike,” the ARD president stressed. “After five days, we will review the situation. It could even be shorter if the government meets some of our immediate demands.”
Dr. Ridwan confirmed that FMC Abeokuta has about 400 doctors, out of which over 350 are resident doctors participating in the strike. He however assured that arrangements have been made to minimize patients’ suffering.
“We had given a 21-day ultimatum, extended it by 10 days, and even added 24 hours before taking this step. We considered admissions, patient management, and referrals carefully to ensure patients are not abandoned,” he said. “Consultants, nurses, and some doctors outside ARD are still on ground to offer basic care, but the impact of this action will still be felt.”
The strike is expected to last until the weekend, after which the association will deliberate on further steps depending on the government’s response.
