The National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, has issued an interim order restraining the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on any form of industrial action, effectively halting the strike earlier scheduled to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Justice E.D. Subilim, in a ruling delivered on Friday, barred NARD, its members, officers, agents and privies from calling, directing, organising, participating in or embarking upon any industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing or any other form of protest capable of disrupting healthcare services nationwide.
The court further restrained the association from taking any steps preparatory to industrial action from January 12, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice fixed for January 21, 2026.
The interim injunction followed a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria against NARD, its President, Dr Mohammed Suleiman, and Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.
NARD had earlier threatened to down tools over unresolved grievances with the Federal Government, raising concerns about a possible disruption of medical services across public hospitals in the country.
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Justice Subilim ordered that the interim measure would remain in force until the substantive motion is heard and determined by the court.
The ruling comes amid heightened public anxiety over the impact of industrial actions by health workers on an already strained healthcare system.
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