The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that it intends to proceed with its planned nationwide strike on January 12, 2026, unless its National Executive Council (NEC) decides otherwise.
NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, made the declaration on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The announcement comes after a National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction restraining the association and two of its officials from undertaking any industrial action starting January 12. The injunction, delivered by Justice E. D. Subilim, was issued in the 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 during the programme, Suleiman said the court order would not deter the association, accusing the Federal Government of failing to act in good faith despite NARD’s earlier suspension of the strike in November 2025.
He stated, “We signed the MoU on November 27. The strike was initially scheduled for December 27, but the NEC postponed it. At the start of this year, we agreed on additional days. Then, at the close of work today, I saw reports on social media that a court injunction had been served, and I’m even hearing about ‘no work, no pay’ notices. Negotiations should be conducted in good faith, but actions like these suggest otherwise.”
On whether the strike would proceed despite the court order, Suleiman said, “We will proceed unless the NEC of NARD instructs otherwise.”
He, however, noted that the association is still engaging with the Federal Government and remains hopeful that the dispute could be resolved before the strike begins. “We are in discussions with the Federal Government’s team. I hope that between tonight and Sunday, meaningful progress will be made,” he added.