The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order stopping the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from proceeding with its planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on January 12.
Justice E. D. Subilim granted the restraining order on Friday after considering an ex parte motion brought before the court by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The Federal Government had dragged NARD, along with its national president, Mohammad Usman Suleman, and national secretary, Shuaibu Ibrahim, before the court over the proposed strike action.
NARD had earlier declared that its members would lay down their tools beginning January 12 in protest against the alleged failure of the government to resolve long-standing welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Subilim stated that the court was convinced the applicants had met all requirements necessary for the grant of an interim injunction after reviewing the motion, affidavit, and written address.
“I have painstakingly listened to the submission of learned counsel to the claimants/applicants… and I find as follows,” the judge said.
“Upon reading the application… and the court being satisfied that this is a proper case for the grant of an interim injunction, it is hereby ordered as follows.”
Accordingly, the court barred the defendants — “their members, servants, agents, privies, and/or any other person acting on their behalf or at their directives” — from convening, instructing, organising or taking part in any industrial action whatsoever.
“This includes strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing or any other form of industrial protest or disruption,” the judge ordered.
The ruling further prohibited the union from “taking steps preparatory to or in furtherance of any industrial action” from January 12, 2026, until the court rules on the motion on notice.
Justice Subilim directed that the interim injunction “shall remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice fixed for the 21st of January 2026.”
He ordered that the restraining order be served on all respondents within seven days and gave NARD and its leaders the liberty to seek a variation or discharge of the injunction within seven days of service.