Day two of the nationwide strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has left many court users stranded, as major courts across the country remain under lock and key. From the Federal High Court to the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal, the gates remain firmly shut, with a clear message from JUSUN: “No Salary, No Court!”
A visit to the court premises in Abuja Tuesday morning showed dozens of lawyers, litigants, and staff loitering outside the gates, unable to gain entry. A handwritten banner tied to the gate read “JUSUN ON STRIKE,” while union members stood guard, peacefully enforcing compliance.
This industrial action, which began in the early hours of Monday, June 2, is in protest against the non-payment of several financial entitlements. JUSUN is demanding the immediate payment of five months’ worth of wage awards, implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25-35% salary increment promised by the federal government.
Although the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC) are not part of the strike, all other courts of coordinate jurisdiction have been affected, disrupting legal processes across the country.
JUSUN has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Minister of Labour and key stakeholders to resolve issues tied to statutory allocations being delayed by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
Sources say both the Chief Justice of Nigeria and federal officials are already intervening behind the scenes, but no clear resolution has been reached yet.
Meanwhile, the ripple effect is already being felt by citizens seeking justice, as adjournments and delays now loom large over pending cases.
