Abuja: Some residents of Bwari Area Council of the FCT have expressed their frustration over the inability to access primary healthcare services due to a three-month strike by council workers. The residents, in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), appealed to the FCT administration and the council chairmen to resolve the ongoing situation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the strike, initiated by the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in March, directed workers across the six area councils to participate in a ‘sit-at-home’ protest. This industrial action is a demand for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and other entitlements by the area council administrators. The strike has resulted in the closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, severely affecting access to essential services.
Mrs. Liyatu Adamu, a resident, highlighted the economic difficulties and the lack of access to medical assistance faced by residents. With her children unwell for over two weeks, Adamu shared her struggle of not being able to take them to the Primary Health Centre due to the strike. Unable to afford services at larger or private hospitals, she has had to rely on costly Over the Counter (OTC) treatments.
Similarly, Mr. Luka Ango, another resident and civil servant, emphasized the significant impact of the strike on the local community. He expressed concerns over the disruption of essential health services, noting that many families are forced to spend more on healthcare services in the city centre. Ango urged the government to address the workers’ demands to prevent further suffering in the community.
Mrs. Ruth Aboyi, a teacher, described the situation as unfortunate, pointing out that individuals with chronic diseases are left helpless, potentially worsening their conditions. She stressed that the strike has interrupted medication schedules and could lead to avoidable deaths or complications if not resolved promptly.
Mr. Emmanuel Ishaku, NULGE Chairman for Bwari, informed NAN that no resolution has been achieved despite several meetings with stakeholders. He mentioned that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Chapter, has intervened and given the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to address the issue. If unresolved, the union plans to escalate the situation by picketing the FCT Minister’s Office.
