By JKNewsMedia
THE NATIONAL Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has restrained the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and its members from commencing a strike planned for January 12.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the order on Friday while ruling on a motion ex-parte filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Attorney General of the Federation in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/06/2026.
The ruling followed submissions from the Director of Civil Litigation (DCL) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who led a team of government lawyers in moving the motion ex-parte.
The motion named NARD, its National President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and the association’s Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, as respondents and defendants in the substantive suit.
The court order prevents NARD members from taking industrial action while the matter remains before the National Industrial Court.
Officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice said the motion was brought to ensure continued service delivery in public health institutions and to protect the interest of patients nationwide.
Justice Subilim granted the order after reviewing the government’s application, which emphasised the potential disruption of healthcare services and the impact on public welfare should the strike proceed.
The NICN ruling requires NARD and its leadership to maintain normal duties pending further court directions in the substantive case.
The FG and the AGF had sought urgent intervention from the court following NARD’s announcement of an intention to halt work in all federal and state healthcare facilities.
Lawyers from the Ministry of Justice outlined the motion on Friday, asserting that the strike would cause irreversible disruption to medical services and compromise patient care.
Justice Subilim listened to the arguments of Mrs. Shiru and her team before issuing the order restraining NARD and its members.
The court document lists NARD’s National President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleman, and Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, as principal respondents to the motion, with the association itself named as defendant in the substantive suit adding that the NICN ruling is enforceable immediately and serves as a temporary measure while the full case proceeds.
The FG described the court’s decision as a necessary step to ensure uninterrupted medical services across the country.
NARD’s planned strike was initially scheduled to start on January 12, with concerns raised by healthcare officials about the potential impact on hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Justice Subilim emphasised that the order would remain in effect until further directions from the National Industrial Court.
The Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed that the motion ex-parte reflects urgent action by the government and the AGF to safeguard public health interests.
Court filings specify that the substantive suit will address all issues raised by the government regarding the proposed strike, including compliance with industrial relations laws and obligations of resident doctors to the public.
Mrs. Shiru led a team of government lawyers during the proceedings, presenting the ex-parte motion and providing evidence on the potential consequences of a nationwide strike by NARD members.
The NICN order bars NARD and its leadership from initiating industrial action or taking any steps that would disrupt medical services in federal or state institutions pending the court’s full hearing of the substantive case.
The FG reiterated its commitment to ensuring healthcare services remain uninterrupted while the court addresses the legal questions raised in NICN/ABJ/06/2026.
Officials stated that the NICN order is intended to provide legal clarity and prevent immediate disruption to patients across the country.
NARD’s leadership has yet to respond publicly to the NICN order restraining the association and its members from embarking on the planned strike.
The court’s ruling comes as the government seeks to balance labour rights with public interest in healthcare delivery.
