Showdown Looms: Doctors Ignore Court Injunction, Insist On Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that its proposed nationwide strike scheduled for January 12, 2026, will go ahead unless its National Executive Council (NEC) decides to suspend the action.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, made this known on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

His comments come in the wake of an interim injunction issued by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, restraining the association and two of its officials from embarking on any industrial action from January 12. The order was granted by Justice E. D. Subilim in a suit (NICN/ABJ/06/2026) filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation against NARD, Dr. Suleiman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Speaking by phone on the programme, Suleiman said the court order had not discouraged the association, accusing the Federal Government of acting in bad faith despite NARD’s earlier decision to suspend its strike in November 2025.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding on November 27. The strike was initially planned for December 27, but the NEC deferred it. At the start of this year, we met again and granted additional time,” he explained.

“Then, at the close of work today, I began seeing reports on social media about a court injunction. I’m also hearing that ‘no work, no pay’ notices have been issued. When negotiations are ongoing, they should be conducted in good faith. Resorting to these measures suggests a lack of genuine commitment to dialogue.”

When asked if the strike would still proceed despite the injunction, Suleiman said the association would move ahead unless the NEC resolved otherwise.

“Unless the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors decides differently, we will proceed,” he said.

He added, however, that NARD remained in talks with the Federal Government and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached before the planned strike date.

“We are still engaging and holding discussions with the government’s team. I am hopeful that between now and Sunday, meaningful progress will be made,” Suleiman stated.