By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Federal High Court in Abuja came to a standstill on Monday as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) locked out judges, lawyers, litigants, and staff in compliance with a nationwide indefinite strike.
All entry points to the Federal High Court headquarters, located along Shehu Shagari Way, were sealed early Monday morning, preventing court activities from taking place. The industrial action stems from unmet demands related to wage awards, minimum wage implementation, and salary increases.
According to checks by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the gates to the multi-storey court building remained under lock and key as of 9:48 a.m., with frustrated court users seen lingering outside.
The strike follows a directive issued by JUSUN’s national leadership on May 30. In a circular signed by acting national secretary M.J. Akwashiki, all chapter chairmen were instructed to commence the industrial action starting from midnight, Sunday, June 1.
“This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was conciliating on our matter,” the circular read.
JUSUN is demanding the payment of five months’ wage awards, full implementation of the proposed 70% National Minimum Wage, and enforcement of a 25% to 35% salary increment for judiciary staff.
“The action will continue until further notice,” the union stated, reaffirming its commitment to the indefinite strike.
Attempts by NAN to speak with union leaders at the court premises were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly in a closed-door meeting.
While unconfirmed reports indicate that some chapters of JUSUN may have opted out of the strike, Abuja’s court remained firmly shut, halting all scheduled hearings and proceedings.
The shutdown has raised fresh concerns over delayed justice and increasing case backlogs in Nigeria’s overstretched judicial system, especially as lawyers and litigants expressed frustration over the disruption.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment or the National Judicial Council regarding the ongoing impasse.
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