Industrial Court steps in as FG secures order against doctors’ strike

The National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, has barred the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and two of its officials from commencing any form of industrial action slated for January 12, 2026.

Justice E. D. Subilim issued the interim order on Friday in a suit filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation against NARD, its President, Dr Mohammad Suleman, and its Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.

The ruling came amid preparations by resident doctors nationwide to embark on a total and indefinite strike, following allegations that the Federal Government failed to honour agreements reached after the suspension of a 29-day strike in November 2025.

Earlier in the week, the Association of Resident Doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, publicly aligned with the national leadership of NARD, declaring support for the planned industrial action scheduled to begin at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The doctors accused the Federal Government of acting with insincerity and insensitivity in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the association, prompting renewed agitation.

However, the Federal Government approached the court through an ex parte application, urging it to restrain the doctors from proceeding with the strike or any related protest pending the hearing of a substantive motion.

In granting the application on Friday, January 9, 2026, Justice Subilim restrained the association, its officers and members from embarking on any form of industrial protest.

In one of the orders, the court ruled:“An interim order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the defendants/respondents, their members, servants, agents, privies, and/or any other person acting on their behalf or at their directives from calling, directing, organising, participating in or embarking upon any form of industrial action.”

The judge further barred the doctors from taking steps preparatory to any industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows or picketing, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The injunction is to remain in force until January 21, 2026, when the court is expected to hear the substantive application.

Justice Subilim also directed the Federal Government to serve the defendants with the court processes within seven days, while granting the resident doctors the right to challenge the order.

According to the court: “The defendants/respondents shall be at liberty to apply to discharge or vary this order within seven days after service of this order.”