After just two days of shutting down courts across the country, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its strike and directed members to resume duties on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The decision to call off the strike was reached after series of crucial meetings between JUSUN executives, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other key government stakeholders, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari, and representatives of the National Industrial Court (NIC). These talks were aimed at resolving the union’s grievances, which centre on long-standing salary-related issues.
In a communiqué released by JUSUN, the union said it is suspending the strike in good faith, based on the commitment made by the Federal Government to release necessary funds to the Judiciary within one month. Once the funds are released, the union expects the full and immediate implementation of their demands. These include the N70,000 new minimum wage for judicial staff, the 25% and 35% salary increment, and the payment of five months’ worth of wage awards, including all outstanding arrears.
“The strike is suspended, but the clock is ticking,” JUSUN declared in the statement, underlining that the industrial action was only paused—not canceled.
JUSUN acknowledged the key role played by the Chief Justice of Nigeria in facilitating dialogue between the union and the government. The union described the CJN’s involvement as a “noble intervention,” also appreciating the efforts of the Labour Ministry, NIC, and other stakeholders who helped broker the temporary resolution.
The strike, although brief, had a significant impact on Nigeria’s justice system. Courtrooms across the country were locked, halting hearings and legal proceedings. Judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants were left stranded outside court gates. Only the Supreme Court remained operational throughout the two-day shutdown.
JUSUN warned that if the Federal Government fails to honour its promises within the agreed one-month period, the union will have no choice but to resume the strike—and possibly for longer this time.
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