JUSUN Strike: Why Nigerian Courts Are Under Lock and What It Means for Justice
Nigerian courts were thrown into paralysis on Monday, June 2, 2025, as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) began an indefinite nationwide strike, causing chaos and uncertainty in the country’s legal system. From the Federal High Court in Abuja to courts in Maitama and beyond, judges, lawyers, staff, and even litigants were locked out of the premises as the gates were sealed with banners boldly declaring: “JUSUN on Strike.”
This development follows JUSUN’s dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government's failure to implement key financial agreements, including the new national minimum wage of N70,000 and the payment of five months' wage awards. JUSUN is also demanding the implementation of a 25% and 35% salary increment for judiciary workers, which has been pending for months.
In this detailed breakdown, NaijaRush explains the background, implications, demands, and current status of the strike—alongside exclusive quotes from union leadership that tell the real story behind this critical moment in Nigeria’s judicial history.
What Triggered the JUSUN Strike?
The immediate cause of the strike is rooted in the federal government's failure to honor agreements reached with judiciary workers over improved remuneration and conditions of service.
In a circular dated May 30, 2025, JUSUN’s acting national secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, officially directed all chapters across the country to down tools starting midnight of Sunday, June 1. This directive was made public and widely circulated among judiciary staff.
Quoting from the circular, Akwashiki said:
“This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was conciliating on our matter.”
This means that despite several attempts at negotiation—including meetings facilitated by the Minister of Labour and Employment—there was no breakthrough. The union believes it has exhausted all peaceful options and has been left with no choice but to take decisive industrial action.
The Demands: What Does JUSUN Want?
The judiciary workers, under the umbrella of JUSUN, are making three major demands from the federal government:
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Payment of Five Months’ Wage Awards
These are financial compensations or bonuses that were agreed upon but have remained unpaid for several months. Wage awards are often used to cushion the effects of inflation and economic hardship. -
Implementation of N70,000 Minimum Wage
The government recently approved a new minimum wage of N70,000, but its implementation remains inconsistent across sectors. Judiciary workers say they have not yet benefited from this increase. -
Implementation of 25% and 35% Salary Increase
The union is also demanding the full implementation of previously negotiated salary increases of 25% for junior workers and 35% for senior workers.
Reinforcing their commitment to the strike, JUSUN declared:
“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 five months wage awards, implement the 70,000 national minimum wage, and implement the 25/35 per cent salary increase. Solidarity forever.”
This statement underlines the union's unity and determination, signaling that the strike could last a long time unless the government urgently addresses their concerns.
Impact: What Is Happening Across Nigerian Courts?
The effects of the strike have been immediate and widespread.
At the Federal High Court Headquarters on Shehu Shagari Way in Abuja, all gates leading into the towering court building were locked shut. This court, which typically handles high-profile constitutional, electoral, and economic crimes, was totally inaccessible to judges, lawyers, staff, and the public.
In Maitama, both the Court of Appeal and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court also remained under complete lockdown. Banners with inscriptions like “JUSUN on Strike” were placed at the entrances, clearly signaling that judiciary workers had vacated their posts.
Litigants and legal professionals who arrived expecting normal court proceedings were visibly frustrated. With no access to justice, important hearings, bail applications, and judgments were suspended indefinitely.
The paralysis of the courts has broader consequences:
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Delayed justice for thousands of Nigerians
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Disruption of ongoing criminal and civil cases
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Suspension of court administrative services such as affidavits, filings, and certifications
In simple terms, the strike has grounded the Nigerian judiciary, threatening to bring the rule of law to a standstill.
Government Response and CJN’s Intervention
In a bid to avoid a complete shutdown of the judicial system, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stepped in before the strike began. She urged JUSUN to suspend the industrial action to give room for dialogue and negotiation with the federal government.
However, the union was not persuaded. Their response was firm and unified: until their demands are met, they will not return to work.
Not All Judiciary Staff Are Participating
Interestingly, not every arm of the judiciary is participating in the strike. Notably, workers at the Supreme Court and those under the National Judicial Council (NJC) have not joined the action.
According to JUSUN spokesperson Joel Ebiloma and Danladi Nda, chairman of JUSUN’s Supreme Court chapter, the apex court and NJC will remain operational, in line with a separate internal decision.
This partial participation reflects a divide within the judiciary union, though the larger majority—including all staff of the Federal High Court, Appeal Court, and state high courts—remain fully committed to the strike.
What Happens Next?
For now, there is no end in sight. JUSUN has made it clear that the strike is indefinite, and there’s been no fresh offer from the federal government to address their demands as of Monday, June 2.
Legal experts warn that the longer the strike continues, the more harm it will do to the already overburdened justice system in Nigeria. Delays in legal proceedings can cause injustice for detained suspects, frustrate business transactions requiring legal documentation, and damage public confidence in the judiciary.
Unless urgent steps are taken by the Presidency, Ministry of Labour, and Budget Office, this industrial action may escalate, affecting even more sectors within the justice system.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Dialogue and Respect for the Judiciary
The Judiciary is one of the three arms of government and a cornerstone of democracy. It is therefore disheartening that its workers must resort to strikes to demand fair compensation and respect for agreements.
At NaijaRush, we believe this is more than just a labour dispute—it is a reflection of how poor governance, economic hardship, and broken promises can undermine essential public institutions. JUSUN’s demands are legitimate, and the government must treat them with the urgency they deserve.
Until then, Nigeria’s courts will remain under lock and key, and justice delayed may continue to be justice denied.
