Total blackout in courts as judiciary workers begin indefinite strike nationwide
By Ukpono Ukpong
Judiciary workers across Nigeria have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike today, Monday, June 2, 2025, following the expiration of a stay-at-home directive issued by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) late Sunday night.
The strike, according to the union, was prompted by the Federal Government’s failure to meet several key demands, including the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the ₦70,000 new national minimum wage, and a 25/35 percent salary increment for workers under the consolidated public service salary structure.
This was contained in a circular addressed to all chapter chairmen, and signed by JUSUN’s acting General Secretary, Moses Akwashiki.
Akwashiki noted that the decision followed unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on the matter, explaining that all efforts to avert the strike had failed.
“This is to direct all Federal Chapters that effective from midnight Sunday 1st June 2025 you are stay at home.
“This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on our matter.
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“We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, 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 for ever.” The statement reads
A separate notice issued by the JUSUN Public Relations Officer, FCT High Court Chapter, reaffirmed the union’s resolve, directing all judiciary staff within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court to withdraw their services and lock all courts.
“Distinguished Comrades, Honourable Colleagues, sequel to the received of the circular by the JUSUN National Headquarter dated 30th May, 2025. The JUSUN FCT High Court Chapter directed all his 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 implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, payment of five months wage arrears, and enforcement of the 25/35 percent salary increase as the basis for the strike.
The FCT chapter explained that the delay in communicating the directive was due to internal consultations and efforts to engage relevant management and stakeholders, but said all options have now been exhausted.
“We seek the maximum cooperation of all members,” the statement added, stressing that all courts within the FCT High Court jurisdiction will remain closed until further notice.
