Judiciary Strike Suspended After CJN Intervention

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has officially suspended its indefinite strike following high-level intervention from the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other key stakeholders. This comes after several days of court closures across Abuja, including the FCT High Court, Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal.

In a communiqué signed on Monday by JUSUN National Vice-President, Mustapha Laminu, and other senior judiciary officers, the union instructed all judiciary staff to resume duties by Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The union cited a one-month commitment period agreed upon by the CJN and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, to press the Federal Government for the release of withheld judiciary funds. According to the communiqué:

“That the JUSUN oblige the noble intervention of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi; NLC and other stakeholders.”

“Consequent upon the commitment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, JUSUN and its organs after due consideration agreed to suspend the ongoing industrial strike action.”

JUSUN emphasized that the suspension is conditional. The union expects that once funds are released, the following demands will be implemented immediately:

The new N70,000 minimum wage and arrears

The 25–35% salary increment outlined in the 2025 Appropriation Act

Five months’ worth of unpaid wage awards

What Led to the Strike?

The strike, which commenced on June 2, was driven by judiciary staff’s frustration over the Federal Government’s delay in honoring key wage agreements. According to union leaders, workers across the judiciary—particularly in the FCT—had not received:

• The approved minimum wage increase
• The 25/35% salary adjustment
• And a five-month wage award arrears

These issues were compounded by what JUSUN described as “unproductive meetings” with the Minister of Labour and Employment, culminating in a total shutdown of several courts. The Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council notably did not participate in the strike.

JUSUN leaders insisted the action was not political but a necessary move to compel the government to honor its promises.

What Comes Next?

With a one-month grace period in place, attention now shifts to the CJN and the Labour Ministry’s ability to deliver on their commitment. If no concrete progress is made, the judiciary could face renewed disruptions.

For now, courtrooms will reopen—but the conversation around fair wages and proper funding for Nigeria’s judicial system is far from over.