By Adewunmi Oluwaseun
Residents of Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have raised alarm over the prolonged inaccessibility of primary healthcare services due to an ongoing strike by council workers.
The strike, now in its third month, has left communities struggling to access basic health services, with many calling on the FCT Administration and council authorities to intervene immediately.
The industrial action began in March, following a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), demanding the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and other entitlements.
As a result, primary healthcare centres and schools across the six area councils have remained shut, severely disrupting access to essential services.
“My two children have been sick for over two weeks. Normally, I’d take them to the local health centre, but it’s closed due to the strike,” lamented Mrs. Liyatu Adamu, a resident. “We can’t afford private hospitals, and even Over-the-Counter drugs are expensive.”
Similarly, civil servant Mr. Luka Ango described the impact as devastating. “Essential services like antenatal care, immunisation, and deliveries have all stopped. The government must act before this leads to increased mortality.”
Mrs. Ruth Aboyi, a local teacher, added that patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are at serious risk.
“If this continues, we may witness preventable deaths and disease outbreaks,” she warned, noting that nearby secondary hospitals are already overwhelmed.
Speaking on the development, NULGE Chairman in Bwari, Mr. Emmanuel Ishaku, told NAN that despite several meetings, no resolution has been reached.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Chapter has now taken over the matter and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resolve the crisis.
“If nothing is done within the timeframe, we may be forced to picket the Minister’s office,” Ishaku said.
The strike continues to disrupt lives across the FCT, with growing calls for immediate government intervention to restore critical public services.
