Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Court activities have been grounded nationwide following an indefinite strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The strike action is coming on the heel of the directive issued late Sunday by JUSUN.
As of Monday morning, many courts across Nigeria, including in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, were shut down, bringing judicial activities to a halt nationwide.
The strike was triggered by the federal government’s failure to address several demands, including the payment of five months’ wage award arrears, implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, and the 25/35 percent salary increase for workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure.
These grievances were outlined in a circular sent to all chapter chairmen, signed by JUSUN’s acting General Secretary, M.J. Akwashiki.
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However, the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court, and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have opted out of the strike, citing the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In separate statements on Sunday, these federal courts noted that cogent and verifiable assurances from the CJN, following a closed-door meeting, prompted their decision to abstain from the strike.
Akwashiki explained that the strike proceeded after a series of failed negotiations, including meetings convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment aimed at resolving the issues. “This is to direct all Federal Chapters that effective from midnight Sunday, 1st June 2025, you are to stay at home.
This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on our matter,” the circular stated.
The statement further noted, “We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of our great union, the action will continue until further notice.
Our demands are for the government to pay us 5 months’ wage awards and implement the N70,000 national minimum wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase. Solidarity forever.”
The Public Relations Officer of the JUSUN FCT High Court Chapter reaffirmed the union’s stance, instructing all judiciary staff under its jurisdiction to withdraw their services and lock all court facilities.
“Sequel to the receipt of the circular from the JUSUN National Headquarters dated 30th May 2025, the JUSUN FCT High Court Chapter directs all its members to withdraw their service and remain at home,” the statement read.
The FCT chapter clarified that the delay in relaying the directive was due to internal consultations and last-ditch efforts to engage relevant management and stakeholders, but all avenues have now been exhausted.
The union cited the federal government’s failure to release funds for the N70,000 minimum wage, settle the five-month wage arrears, and implement the 25/35 percent salary increase as the core reasons for the strike.
They sought the maximum cooperation of all members, emphasising that all courts within the FCT High Court’s jurisdiction will remain closed until further notice.