Hospital Services Crippled as Security Guards Demand Payment
Medical services at several major hospitals in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory faced complete disruption on Wednesday as private security guards launched fresh demonstrations over four months of unpaid wages. The protesting guards blocked hospital entrances, preventing both medical staff and patients from accessing vital healthcare facilities.
Multiple Hospitals Affected by Protests
Operations at Nyanya, Zuba and Kubwa General Hospitals were completely paralyzed during the protests. Scores of patients found themselves stranded outside hospital gates while healthcare workers were unable to enter their workplaces. This marks the second such protest within three weeks, as guards continue demanding payment of their outstanding salaries.
The security personnel, employed by private firms contracted by the FCT Administration, barricaded entrances while chanting solidarity songs. They vowed not to return to duty until all salary arrears are cleared. "We can't keep working without pay. Our families are suffering," one protesting guard expressed the collective frustration.
Security Companies in Financial Distress
A manager from one affected security company revealed the dire financial situation, stating he had taken a N10 million loan from Zenith Bank just to maintain operations. "I borrowed the money expecting to repay once the FCTA released funds. The repayment deadline has passed, and my staff remain unpaid. If the ministry has paid, where is our money? Some of us can barely feed our children," he lamented.
Contradicting the security firms' claims, a senior Civil Defence officer confirmed that the FCT Administration had already released the necessary funds. The official questioned why the contracted companies had failed to disburse salaries to their personnel.
Patients and Healthcare Workers Bear the Brunt
The hospital lockdown triggered scenes of desperation as patients pleaded for access to medical care. Many blamed authorities for allowing the crisis to escalate. "People's lives are at stake. This should never have been allowed to happen," a stranded patient lamented outside one of the affected facilities.
Healthcare professionals have called for urgent intervention by the FCT Administration, warning that the shutdown is increasing pressure on Abuja's already overstretched healthcare system. They urged the minister to ensure immediate payment of the guards' entitlements to restore normal hospital operations.
Efforts to reach the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time on November 26, 2025.
