Judicial activities were brought to a halt in Abuja on Monday as striking members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) locked the gates of key courts, including the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal headquarters, barring entry to judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants.

 

This disruption occurred despite a statement issued on Sunday by the National Judicial Council (NJC) chapter of JUSUN, assuring the public that its members at the Supreme Court, NJC, and Federal High Court would not participate in the strike.

 

However, when our correspondent visited the Federal High Court premises on Monday morning, the facility remained locked and inaccessible. A similar situation was observed at the Court of Appeal.

 

JUSUN had earlier issued a communiqué dated May 30, directing all federal chapters to commence an indefinite strike beginning midnight on Sunday, June 1. The union, through Acting General Secretary M.J. Akwashiki, attributed the industrial action to stalled negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment.

 

Key demands outlined by the union include the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the proposed ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25%/35% salary increment.

 

Despite the NJC chapter’s announcement on Sunday, which cited the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and a two-week grace period granted for authorities to meet the union’s demands, court activities were nonetheless disrupted.

 

The situation underscores growing uncertainty and division within the judiciary as the strike unfolds.