No Judge, No Justice: JUSUN Locks Federal High Court Over Pay Dispute
Judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants were locked out of the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja on Monday, as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike.
When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited the court complex along Shehu Shagari Way, all entrance gates to the high-rise building were securely locked, leaving the premises deserted. Court operations and nearby business activities came to a standstill.
The action follows a directive issued by JUSUN’s national leadership in a circular dated May 30. Signed by Acting National Secretary M.J. Akwashiki, the document instructed all chapter chairmen to ensure their members stayed away from work beginning at midnight on Sunday, June 1.
According to the union, the strike was declared after failed negotiations mediated by the Minister of Labour and Employment.
“Our organs — the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) — have resolved that the strike will continue until our demands are met,” the circular stated. “We are calling for the payment of five months of wage awards, the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25%/35% salary increase. Solidarity forever.”
Attempts by NAN to speak with local union leaders were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly in a closed-door meeting.
Despite unconfirmed reports that some chapters may have opted out of the strike, the gates of the Federal High Court in Abuja remained shut as of 9:48 a.m.
