In a bold display of frustration and solidarity, judiciary workers under the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Monday locked out judges, lawyers, litigants, and court staff from the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja — as the union’s indefinite nationwide strike officially kicked off.
The protest action, which began in the early hours of Monday, June 2, saw all entry points into the towering Federal High Court complex on Shehu Shagari Way firmly barricaded. No one — from justices to junior clerks — was allowed access, effectively grinding all judicial activities to a halt.
According to a circular dated May 30, and signed by the union’s acting national secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, the industrial action followed failed negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment, who had earlier stepped in to mediate.
“This directive follows unfruitful meetings… The strike, as directed by the National Working Committee and National Executive Council, will continue until further notice,” the circular stated.
JUSUN’s demands?
- Payment of five months’ outstanding wage awards
- Immediate implementation of the 70,000% National Minimum Wage
- Enforcement of the 25/35 per cent salary increase promised to judiciary workers
Inside sources revealed that efforts to speak with union executives on site proved futile, as key members were reportedly locked in a closed-door strategy meeting.
Despite rumblings from a few state chapters reportedly pulling back from the strike, the scene at the Federal High Court told a different story. By 9:48 a.m., gates remained chained shut, with visibly frustrated lawyers and litigants lingering outside, uncertain of when the courtroom doors would reopen.
With no resolution in sight and silence from key government figures, Nigeria’s judicial system braces for a prolonged shutdown — a move that threatens to stall hundreds of ongoing cases and deepen public frustration. As tensions mount, all eyes are now on the federal government to either respond — or risk total courtroom paralysis.
—This is a developing story. Updates will follow as the strike action unfolds.
Leave a Reply