Court gavel
National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja Division, has issued an interim order restraining the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on any form of industrial action.
The order, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, followed an application filed by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
In the ruling, the court barred NARD, its members, officers, and agents from calling, directing, organizing, or participating in strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing, or any other action capable of disrupting healthcare services across the country.
Justice Subilim also restrained the association from taking any steps preparatory to industrial action, including activities linked to its earlier notice of a proposed strike scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The court held that the interim injunction would remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, which has been fixed for January 21, 2026.
The development comes amid rising tension in the health sector, following NARD’s earlier threat to down tools over unresolved issues with the Federal Government.
