The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, has restrained resident doctors from resuming a planned nationwide strike scheduled for January 12, 2026.
This is according to an enrolled court order seen by Nairametrics, issued by Justice E. D. Sublim following a Motion Exparte filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation.
The restraining order comes amid ongoing tensions between the government and the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over unmet agreements from previous negotiations.
The court order specifically lists NARD, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim as respondents and prevents them from organizing or participating in any form of industrial action pending further court proceedings.
According to the order, Justice Sublim was satisfied that the motion filed by Maimuna Lami Shiru, Esq., Director of Civil Litigation, “is a proper case for the grant of an interim injunction.”
The judge granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their members, and anyone acting on their behalf from:
“Calling, directing, organizing, participating in, or embarking upon any form of industrial action, including but not limited to strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing, or any other form of industrial protest or disruption.”
The order also bars the resident doctors from taking any preparatory steps toward a strike from January 12, 2026, until the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, scheduled for January 21, 2026.
The respondents have seven days after service of the order to apply for its discharge or variation.
(Nairametrics)
