Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Industrial Court of Nigeria restrains the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) from embarking on a planned nationwide strike scheduled for 12 January 2026.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the order on Friday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation.
The suit lists NARD, its president Dr Mohammad Suleiman, and secretary general Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim as defendants.
The ruling follows NARD’s announcement that it would resume its Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike (TICS 2.0) over alleged failure by the government to implement agreements contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November. “We resolved to resume TICS 2.0 with effect from January 12,” NARD says in a statement, adding that centre-based and national protests are also planned.
The association says its demands include payment of salary arrears, reinstatement of dismissed doctors, implementation of professional allowances, and reforms to postgraduate medical training and work-hour regulations.
Court Stops Resident Doctors’ Planned Nationwide Strike Starting January 12
Government lawyers argue that the strike would disrupt essential health services and pose risks to public welfare.
The court adjourns the matter to a later date for hearing of the substantive suit.
Health sector analysts say the ruling underscores growing tension between resident doctors and the government amid unresolved labour disputes.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Hussaini Ibrahim