Courts Shut Down in Abuja as JUSUN Begins Indefinite Strike

 

On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the closure of courts across Abuja. Judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants were denied access to the Federal High Court headquarters on Shehu Shagari Way, as well as other key judicial institutions, including the Court of Appeal and the FCT High Court.

The strike action follows a directive from JUSUN's national leadership, instructing all chapters to enforce a stay-at-home order starting from midnight on June 1. In a circular dated May 30, signed by Acting National Secretary M.J. Akwashiki, the union cited unproductive meetings with the Minister of Labour and Employment as a catalyst for the industrial action. JUSUN's demands include the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25/35 percent salary increase.

Despite the widespread shutdown, judiciary workers under the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Supreme Court have opted out of the strike. In a statement released on Saturday, June 1, the NJC chapter of JUSUN, through its spokesperson Joel Ebiloma, announced their decision to abstain from the industrial action after a series of meetings with stakeholders.

The strike has caused significant disruptions in the judicial system, leaving many legal practitioners and litigants stranded. As the impasse continues, stakeholders are urging for a swift resolution to address the union's grievances and restore normalcy to court operations in the Federal Capital Territory