Despite an interim restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has maintained that its proposed nationwide strike scheduled for January 12, 2026, remains in place, pending a decision by its National Executive Council (NEC).
The court, presided over by Justice E.D. Subilim, had earlier granted an interim injunction following a suit filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation, restraining NARD and two of its officials from embarking on any form of industrial action.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, said the association was not deterred by the court order, stressing that the strike would proceed unless the NEC resolved otherwise.
Suleiman accused the Federal Government of negotiating in bad faith, noting that the association had previously demonstrated goodwill by suspending an earlier strike after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government in November 2025.
“We signed the MoU on November 27. The strike was supposed to start December 27, but NEC carried it over. At the beginning of this year, we even gave more days,” he said. “Now, suddenly, we are confronted with a court injunction and threats of ‘no work, no pay’.”
According to him, the government’s actions were counterproductive and undermined ongoing negotiations.
“When we are discussing and negotiating, it should be done in good faith. Once you start bringing out armouries like this, it means you don’t want to negotiate sincerely,” Suleiman added.
Despite the standoff, the NARD president disclosed that discussions with the Federal Government were still ongoing and expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be reached before the strike commencement date.
“We are in conversations with the government’s team. I hope that between tonight and Sunday, a lot of things will be properly addressed,” he said.
The planned strike, if it proceeds, is expected to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals nationwide, adding urgency to efforts by both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
