Court Restrains Resident Doctors from Embarking on Strike

Abuja, January 9, 2026

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, has restrained all members and agents of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on any form of industrial action.
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim issued the order following an application for an interim injunction filed by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

In his ruling, the court temporarily barred members of the association from calling, directing, organising, participating in, or embarking upon any form of strike, work stoppage, go-slow, picketing, or any other industrial protest or action capable of disrupting health services across the country.

The court further restrained the association from taking any steps preparatory to industrial action, with effect from Monday, January 12, 2026.

According to the order, the interim injunction will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, which has been fixed for January 21, 2026.
The National Association of Resident Doctors had earlier threatened to commence a nationwide strike on Monday, January 12, 2026, over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.
The court’s intervention is aimed at maintaining industrial harmony in the health sector and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services while the substantive issues between the parties are addressed.