Judiciary Workers Strike Cripples Courts Nationwide, Judges, Lawyers Locked Out
Judicial activities across Nigeria were brought to a standstill on Monday as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commenced an indefinite strike, locking out judges, lawyers, and litigants from federal court premises in major cities including Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos, and others.
The industrial action, which took effect early Monday morning, resulted in the complete shutdown of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and the National Industrial Court. The strike is in response to what the union described as the federal government’s failure to implement key welfare agreements and salary increases.
In a circular issued by JUSUN’s national leadership, the union outlined its grievances, which include:
• Non-payment of the five-month wage award
• Failure to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage
• Neglect of the 25% to 35% salary increment for judiciary workers
The union lamented that despite several meetings with the Minister of Labour and Employment, there has been no resolution or meaningful commitment from the federal government.
“The economic situation is worsening, and our members can no longer survive on empty promises,” a JUSUN official stated in Ibadan. “Between February and June 2025, several judiciary staff have died due to the harsh economic realities.”
In Abuja, the gates of the Federal High Court were firmly shut, with security guards and union officials denying entry to judges, lawyers, and litigants. Scenes were similar at the Court of Appeal and National Industrial Court in Ibadan, where union members stood guard to enforce the strike order.
Lawyers and litigants expressed frustration over the unexpected halt in court operations, particularly for ongoing cases and urgent legal matters.
“I had a crucial hearing today, but the court is locked. This is not good for the justice system,” said a visibly upset lawyer in Abuja. “But I also understand the plight of the workers. They deserve fair treatment.”
The strike, which was initially expected to see selective participation, has gained broad compliance across JUSUN chapters nationwide, with most federal court staff downing tools. The union has vowed that the strike will continue indefinitely until the government addresses all outstanding demands.
In Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, reports confirmed that federal courts remained shut as JUSUN members turned away court staff and the public. Courtrooms were deserted, and the usual hustle of legal proceedings was absent.
Legal stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have called on the government to urgently engage with JUSUN and find a resolution to prevent further disruption of justice delivery.
“The judiciary is a critical pillar of democracy. Prolonged disruption will affect not only lawyers but also the general public, especially those seeking justice,” the NBA warned in a statement.
This strike follows a series of unfulfilled promises made during earlier negotiations with the federal government. JUSUN had suspended previous strike actions in anticipation of favorable policy implementations, but union leaders now say they have exhausted all diplomatic options.
As the deadlock continues, pressure mounts on the federal government to respond with concrete solutions. Meanwhile, court users and litigants are left in limbo, with legal proceedings halted indefinitely.
The judiciary workers’ strike is a potent reminder of the consequences of prolonged governmental inaction on workers’ welfare. Until the federal authorities meet JUSUN’s demands, the nation’s justice system may remain in paralysis, with severe implications for the rule of law and access to justice.
