Nigeria’s federal courts and judicial institutions are bracing for a potential shutdown as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has directed its members to begin a nationwide strike from June 2nd.
Mustapha Laminu, JUSUN’s National Vice President for North Central, announced the looming industrial action in Abuja on Friday. He stated that the strike has become absolutely necessary to push for their demands, especially after their members have yet to receive a one-month wage award recently paid out by the government.
The union is protesting a range of grievances, including five months of unpaid wage award arrears, the failure to implement the new N70,000 national minimum wage, and the non-application of the agreed-upon 25% and 35% salary increases.
Laminu expressed the union’s frustration, noting that they had repeatedly sent ultimatums and even initially stepped back from action after the Chief Justice of Nigeria intervened. However, he lamented that the Judiciary, as a distinct arm of government, appears to be “punished” while other government branches are already benefiting from these payments.
He shared the immense pressure from their members, who feel the union leadership has “compromised” given the harsh economic realities brought on by current government policies. Laminu vowed that the strike “will continue… until and unless the government pay us this money.”
The union leader further alleged that the Ministry of Finance had reportedly released the new funds to the Accountant General of the Federation, but payment to the Judiciary has inexplicably been withheld. He concluded by urging all JUSUN chapter chairmen to ensure strict compliance with the strike directive.
