The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reaffirmed its plan to embark on a nationwide strike beginning January 12, 2026, despite a restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, made this known on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He explained that the strike would go ahead unless the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) decides otherwise.
Earlier, Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction in a suit filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation, barring NARD and two of its officials from taking industrial action.
Suleiman said members were not deterred by the ruling, accusing the government of negotiating in bad faith. He recalled that NARD had suspended an earlier strike in November 2025 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the government.
“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 gave more days. Now, suddenly, we hear of a court injunction and even threats of ‘no work, no pay’,” he said.
He argued that the government’s approach undermined genuine dialogue.
“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 planned strike, Suleiman noted that discussions with the Federal Government were still ongoing and expressed hope that the dispute could be resolved before Monday.
“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.
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