Judicial activities across Nigeria have come to a grinding halt as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) began an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, June 2, 2025. The strike follows the breakdown of negotiations with the Federal Government over unmet welfare demands, including implementation of a new minimum wage and wage awards.

At the Federal High Court (FHC) headquarters located on Shehu Shagari Way in Abuja, all gates into the court premises were firmly shut. Judges, lawyers, staff, and litigants were locked out, with all business activities in and around the court complex brought to a standstill.

Despite reports that some chapters of the union, including the Supreme Court JUSUN chapter, may have pulled out of the industrial action, the strike was fully enforced at the Federal High Court. As of 9:48 a.m., the gates remained locked, with no access granted to anyone.

JUSUN’s national leadership, in a circular dated May 30 and signed by acting National Secretary M.J. Akwashiki, had directed all state chapter chairmen to enforce a stay-at-home order for their members beginning midnight on Sunday, June 1.

“This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on our matter,” the circular stated.
“We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC), the action will continue until further notice.
Our demands are for the government to pay us five months’ wage award, implement the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase. Solidarity forever.”

Efforts to speak with some members of the JUSUN executive were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly in a closed-door meeting.

Although there have been divisions within the union regarding participation in the strike, the FCT High Court chapter of JUSUN has restated its full commitment. In a memo to members on Sunday night, the chapter declared:

“This is to make it categorically clear: the industrial action slated to commence tomorrow, Monday, 2nd June, 2025, remains firmly in place.
While we acknowledge that some chapters have chosen to pull out or distance themselves from the strike, let it be known that this does not invalidate the collective struggle we are committed to.
Our demands remain legitimate, our cause remains just, and our action remains necessary and timely. Solidarity remains our strength. Victory remains our goal. In unity.”

In contrast, the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN has said it will not participate in the strike due to what it described as “unique operational circumstances and ongoing engagements.”

The strike has paralyzed judicial operations in key locations nationwide, including:

  • Federal High Court, FCT – Abuja Division
  • Federal High Court, Lagos Division
  • Federal High Court, Yola Division
  • Federal High Court, Enugu Division
  • Federal High Court, Anambra Division

The development raises serious concerns about delay in access to justice, increased case backlogs, and disruption of high-profile and time-sensitive legal matters across the country.

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