Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has warned doctors not to threaten him with strike, saying that if they go on strike, he would save more money.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARDs) in the FCT had threatened to embark on strike during a meeting with Wike.

Addressing the medical doctors in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the doctors were free to make their recommendations, and that the federal government would look into them.

The minister frowned at the association’s decision to embark on strike, adding that he would save more money when doctors go on strike.

Nyesom said: “Make your recommendations, and we will see the ones we can and those we can’t do. Don’t threaten me with a strike because I don’t like it.

“When you go on strike, I save money; even if you come back, I won’t pay; we will determine it in court. It’s not about promises but the reality on the ground. I don’t believe in theory.”

NARD’s demand includes the payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund(MRTF), a skyward review of the consolidated medical structure (CONMESS), and payment of all salary arrears owed to its members since 2015.

The association requested an upward review of hazard allowances by state governments and private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training occurs.