The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on any form of strike or industrial action.
The order was issued on Friday by the presiding judge, Mr. E. D. Subilim, following an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government and Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
The Federal Government instituted the suit against NARD, its National President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and its National Secretary, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, after the association announced plans to commence a strike from 12 January, 2026, over unresolved welfare and professional demands.
In his ruling, Mr. Subilim said the court was satisfied that the application met the legal requirements for the grant of an interim injunction, having considered the motion, the supporting affidavit, and the written address.
“Upon reading the application and the accompanying processes, and the court being satisfied that this is a proper case for the grant of an interim injunction, it is hereby ordered as follows,” the judge said.
He restrained the respondents, “their members, servants, agents, privies, and/or any other person acting on their behalf or at their directives,” from calling, organising, directing, or participating in any form of industrial action.
The order covers strikes, work stoppages, go-slows, picketing, or “any other form of industrial protest or disruption,” and also restrains the association from taking steps preparatory to, or in furtherance of, any industrial action from 12 January, 2026.
The court ruled that the injunction would remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice, which has been fixed for 21 January, 2026.
Mr. Subilim further directed the claimants to serve the respondents with the court order within seven days, while granting NARD, its president, and its secretary the liberty to apply to vary or discharge the order within seven days of being served.
