A significant legal development has occurred as the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from proceeding with their planned strike on January 12. This court ruling halts the industrial action that was scheduled to commence, impacting healthcare services across the nation. The order came after the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) filed an ex parte application with the court.
The legal challenge was initiated by the government, naming NARD, its National President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and Secretary General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim as defendants. The court’s decision was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, who granted the injunction to remain in effect until the determination of the main suit. The court has adjourned the case for further hearing on January 21, providing a temporary resolution to the looming strike.
Featured snippet paragraph: The court granted an interim order of injunction preventing NARD, its members, and anyone acting on their behalf from initiating or participating in any form of industrial action, including strikes, work stoppages, or protests, from January 12, 2026, until the motion on notice is heard and decided.
The Federal Government is directed to formally serve this restraining order on the defendants. NARD and its representatives will have the liberty to apply to discharge or vary the order within seven days of receiving it. This legal maneuver aims to de-escalate the situation and prevent disruption to essential medical services.
Justice Subilim considered the arguments presented by the FG’s legal team, led by Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation at the Federal Ministry of Justice. The court reviewed the affidavit of urgency, supporting affidavits, and accompanying annexures filed with the ex parte motion. The judge expressed satisfaction that the circumstances warranted the grant of an interim injunction.
Previously, NARD had announced its intention to commence an indefinite strike. This decision followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on January 2, where the association cited the Federal Government’s alleged failure to implement agreed-upon welfare demands as the primary reason for their planned industrial action.
The legal proceedings highlight the critical nature of the dispute between the resident doctors and the government concerning welfare and implementation of agreements. The court’s intervention provides a period for dialogue and potential resolution without immediate industrial action.
This development is closely watched by healthcare stakeholders and the public, as strikes by resident doctors can have a profound impact on patient care and the overall functioning of the healthcare system.
The legal framework governing industrial disputes in Nigeria allows for such interim measures to maintain public order and essential services during protracted negotiations or disagreements.
The adjournment of the case to January 21 allows both parties to prepare their arguments and evidence for the subsequent hearing, where a more definitive ruling may be made.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming court date and the possibility of a negotiated settlement or further legal pronouncements that will shape the future of resident doctors’ working conditions and their relationship with the government.
The court’s action underscores the legal avenues available to the government to avert widespread disruption of public services, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.
