FCT Health Centres Shut as Workers’ Strike Leaves Patients Stranded
Patients in rural communities across the Federal Capital Territory have been left stranded as a result of the ongoing strike by workers of the six area councils.
The workers, under the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), downed tools last month over the failure of council chairmen to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.
Chairmen of the area councils have refused to speak on the matter despite efforts by FCT Ministers, Nyesom Wike and Hajiya Maryam Mahmud, to mediate.
Findings by Abuja Metro revealed that health centres across the area councils were under lock and key.
In Abaji, nursing mothers who came for immunisation were turned back. One of them, Mrs Zainab Mohammed, said, “I went to two centres, both were closed. I couldn’t sleep all night due to waist pain.”
A health worker, Mrs Amina Bala, confirmed the shutdown was due to the strike.
At the Kwali Township Clinic, Mrs Gladys Gambo, a nursing mother, also met a closed gate. “I came with my baby for immunisation but was told health workers are on strike,” she said.
In Gwagwalada, the township clinic was also shut, littered with refuse, as patients sat helplessly outside. Mrs Maryam Yakubu, another nursing mother, said she came on the instruction of a private hospital but met no staff.
Community health worker, Samson Iliya, said patients with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hypertension and diabetes were also affected.
A medical personnel said, “Health should be a priority, but the strike became necessary as the council chairmen failed to meet our demands.”
Meanwhile, the Gwagwalada chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement has backed the planned protest by the unions, describing it as a “thunderous declaration” against failed promises.
Leader of the group, Comrade Manasseh Ben Paul, accused the council chairmen of reducing teachers and workers to beggars.
He warned of mass mobilisation to shut down the councils if the demands are not met by the end of April.
The chairmen remain silent. Kwali chairman, Danladi Chiya, who also heads FCT ALGON, did not respond to calls or messages.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
