FCTA DOCTORS LAUD WIKE’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

By: Wisdom Acka

In a show of gratitude, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has poured encomiums on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his decisive leadership in addressing the welfare of healthcare professionals in the nation’s capital.

The commendation came in a heartfelt letter dated January 15, 2026, signed by the ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Israel Lissa.

In a press release issued on Monday, 20th January, 2026, by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and social media, Lere Olayinka, the doctors hailed the Minister’s swift action in clearing the 13-month backlog of hazard allowance arrears and in disbursing a one-month wage award.

The doctors described the minister’s gesture as a “timely intervention” reflecting his deep commitment to fairness and the sacrifices of medical workers.

“Your exemplary leadership has rekindled hope in the FCT health sector. This gesture not only underscores your dedication to equity but also reaffirms your recognition of the relentless efforts of doctors and healthcare workers who brave daily hazards to save lives,” the press release quoted parts of the letter.

The Association further expressed its readiness to sustain constructive engagement with the FCT Administration to advance healthcare delivery in Abuja.

In the same vein, the doctors extended appreciation to key figures in the FCT bureaucracy, including the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, among others.

They said: “We also wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable roles played by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Acting Head of Service, Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, Chairman, FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, and Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe.”

Also thanked by the doctors are the Permanent Secretaries of Treasury and Budget, Mr Adamu Ibrahim Wanki; Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Baba Gana Adam; and that of Common Services, Mr Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde.

Others are the Overseeing Director General, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Ahmadu Abubakar, and Director, Clinical and Diagnostics, Hospitals Management Board, Dr Osagie Osayande.”

According to the doctors, the development marks a significant step in strengthening the morale of frontline health workers and sets a precedent for responsive governance in Nigeria’s public sector.