Resident Doctors Vow to Proceed with Strike Despite Court Injunction

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The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reaffirmed its commitment to the nationwide strike slated for January 12, 2026, signaling that it will go ahead unless formally advised otherwise by its National Executive Council (NEC).

Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, NARD’s president, spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasizing that the association remains undeterred by recent judicial interventions. The statement followed an interim injunction issued by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which temporarily restrained NARD and two of its officials from carrying out industrial action.

Court Injunction and Background

The injunction, delivered by Justice E. D. Subilim, is linked to a suit filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation, targeting NARD, Dr. Suleiman, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim. It prohibits any strike activity from January 12 pending further legal review.

Despite this legal directive, Suleiman maintained that the association’s resolve is firm. He criticized the government for what he described as a lack of genuine engagement in negotiations. “Negotiations must be conducted in good faith. When threats like court injunctions and ‘no work, no pay’ documents surface, it signals a reluctance to engage sincerely,” he said.

Ongoing Negotiations and Past Agreements

The current impasse follows a series of postponed industrial actions. Originally scheduled for December 27, 2025, the strike was deferred after NARD signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on November 27 and later granted additional time at the start of 2026 for further dialogue.

Suleiman acknowledged ongoing discussions with the Federal Government, expressing cautious optimism: “We are still in active talks with the government’s team. I am hopeful that meaningful progress will be achieved between tonight and Sunday.”

Implications and Analysis

Observers note that NARD’s position highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including unresolved issues over working conditions, remuneration, and staff welfare. Legal interventions, while significant, have not quelled the association’s determination, reflecting the high stakes for both frontline medical personnel and the government. Political analysts also caution that the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how industrial disputes in critical sectors are managed in the future.