Court halts NARD strike, restrains resident doctors from downing tools January 12

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping members of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on their planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026.

The order was granted on Friday by Justice E. D. Subilim following an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The Federal Government had approached the court after NARD announced its intention to begin industrial action over unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors across the country.

The suit was filed against the association, its National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleman, and its National Secretary, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.

In his ruling, Justice Subilim said the court was convinced that the application satisfied the conditions required for the grant of an interim injunction, having considered the motion, the supporting affidavit and the written address.

Accordingly, the judge restrained the respondents, their members, agents and representatives from calling, organising or participating in any form of industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows or picketing.

The court also barred the association from taking any steps preparatory to or in furtherance of the planned strike or any other form of industrial protest from January 12, 2026, pending the determination of the substantive motion on notice.

Justice Subilim ruled that the interim injunction would remain in force until January 21, 2026, when the motion on notice is slated for hearing.

He further directed the claimants to serve the respondents with the court order within seven days, while granting NARD and its leadership the right to apply within the same timeframe to vary or set aside the order.