JUSUN Strike Paralyzes Judiciary Nationwide as Wage Dispute Enters Day Two
By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Judicial operations across Nigeria remain suspended for a second consecutive day as the indefinite strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) deepens, following a breakdown in wage negotiations with the federal government.
The nationwide shutdown, which commenced on Monday, has left courts under lock and key and ground all judicial proceedings to a halt. The industrial action follows a directive issued by JUSUN’s national leadership in a circular last Friday, instructing all members to withdraw their services indefinitely.
At the heart of the dispute are the union’s demands for the immediate payment of a five-month wage award, full implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, and enforcement of the newly approved 25% and 35% salary increases for judiciary workers.
Efforts by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to mediate in the dispute have so far proven unsuccessful. According to JUSUN, multiple meetings held with the ministry failed to yield any tangible commitments, prompting the union’s resort to industrial action.
Our correspondent who visited key courts in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday observed complete compliance with the strike directive. At the Federal High Court on Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, the entrance was barricaded, with only security personnel visibly stationed on the premises.
Likewise, courtrooms at the FCT High Court in Maitama were deserted, with no judicial or administrative activities taking place.
The shutdown has thrown the judiciary into a state of paralysis, with mounting concerns over delays in legal proceedings, pending judgments, and the broader implications for justice delivery in the country.
Legal analysts warn that a prolonged strike could further strain Nigeria’s already burdened judicial system and urge the federal government to act swiftly to avert a protracted crisis.
As of press time, no resolution had been reached, and JUSUN has maintained that the strike will continue “until all demands are met in full.”
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