Federal High Courts Shut as JUSUN Begins Nationwide Strike

All Federal High Courts across the country, including those in Abuja, were shut down on Monday as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) began an indefinite strike over unresolved financial demands from the Federal Government.

The industrial action, led by the FCT High Court chapter of the union, follows a circular issued by the JUSUN national headquarters directing federal chapters to stay at home from June 1, 2025. The notice, signed by acting secretary M.J. Akwashiki, cited failed negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment, who had attempted to mediate between the union and the government.

According to the union, the government has failed to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage signed into law in 2024. Delayed the payment of five months’ wage award arrears and withheld a 25/35% salary increment due to judiciary workers under the consolidated public service salary structure.

In a circular dated May 31, the FCT chapter of JUSUN directed its members to lock all courts under its jurisdiction and remain at home until further notice. The union further reiterated its commitment to the strike despite the withdrawal of the Supreme Court and National Judicial Council (NJC) chapters.

All branches of the FCT High Court, including magistrates’ courts and the Shari’a Court of Appeal, were reportedly locked early Monday morning. Lawyers and litigants who arrived at the court premises were turned away by union members who stood guard to enforce the strike.

Chairman of the FCT chapter, Comrade Abdulrazaq Yusuf, told journalists at the Maitama High Court that the strike had commenced as planned. He explained that several meetings held with government agencies—including the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Nigeria Labour Congress—had failed to produce concrete outcomes.

“We’ve waited long enough. The minimum wage and salary adjustments were approved months ago, but implementation has been stalled. We’ve written to all the relevant authorities, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, but there has been no progress,” Yusuf stated.

Efforts to prevent the strike reportedly continued late into Sunday night, with meetings held between JUSUN leadership, DSS, and other government representatives. However, as of the morning of June 2, the judiciary workers said no funds had been released to back any promises.

Despite some chapters pulling out of the industrial action, Yusuf emphasized that the strike remains “a collective struggle,” urging members to remain united and resolute.

“This is a time for courage, resolve, and unity. Our demands are legitimate, our cause is just, and this action is necessary,” he said.
As courtrooms remain locked and judicial proceedings halted, stakeholders warn that prolonged disruption could further clog Nigeria’s already congested judicial system.

The union has not announced a timeline for ending the strike, stating it will continue indefinitely until their demands are met. Legal observers say if the government fails to engage meaningfully, the ripple effects will be felt across litigation, bail hearings, and civil cases, with potential implications for human rights and rule of law.