JUST IN: Courts shut as judiciary workers begin nationwide strike
Judiciary workers across Nigeria have begun an indefinite nationwide strike today following a directive issued late Sunday by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
As of Monday morning, many courts across Nigeria — including in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja — have already been shut down, bringing judicial activities to a halt nationwide.
According to the union, the strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s failure to address several pressing demands, including the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the ₦70,000 new 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 and signed by JUSUN’s acting General Secretary, Moses Akwashiki.
Akwashiki explained that the decision came 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.
“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 award, implement the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase. Solidarity forever,” the statement reads.
In a separate notice, 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.
“Distinguished Comrades, Honourable Colleagues, 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 union cited the Federal Government’s failure to release funds for the ₦70,000 minimum wage, settle the five-month wage arrears, and implement the 25/35 percent salary increase as the core reasons for the strike.
The FCT chapter also clarified that the delay in relaying the directive was due to internal consultations and last-ditch efforts to engage relevant management and stakeholders. However, it said all avenues have now been exhausted.
“We seek the maximum cooperation of all members,” the statement added, emphasizing that all courts within the FCT High Court’s jurisdiction will remain closed until further notice.
