The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from beginning a nationwide strike planned for January 12.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the restraining order on Friday following a motion filed by the Federal Government, which sought to halt the industrial action before it could start.
The court’s decision directly affects NARD, its president, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and its secretary general, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, who were named as respondents.
The planned “Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike” was announced after NARD accused the government of failing to implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2025, which ended a previous 29-day strike.
Doctors’ demands include the payment of salary arrears, the reinstatement of dismissed colleagues in Lokoja, and the full implementation of professional allowances.
Before the court’s intervention, NARD chapters across the country, including in Ogun, Uyo, and Abuja, had already confirmed their readiness to join the walkout.
