Judiciary workers across Nigeria began a full nationwide strike on Monday, June 2, 2025, following a late-night directive issued by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The strike brought judicial activities to a stop across many states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as courthouses remained closed and workers stayed home.
According to a circular released by the union’s acting General Secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, the decision was made after several failed attempts to resolve long-standing issues with the federal government.
Key among their demands are the payment of five months’ wage arrears, implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, and the agreed 25 to 35 percent salary adjustment under the consolidated public service salary structure.
“This is to direct all Federal Chapters that effective from midnight Sunday, 1st June 2025, you are to stay at home. This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on our matter,” the union circular stated.
Despite the widespread shutdown, major federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court, and the National Judicial Council (NJC), have chosen not to participate in the strike.
These institutions cited a separate intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who they said gave reliable assurances in a private meeting that their concerns would be addressed.
In a follow-up directive, the Public Relations Officer of the JUSUN FCT High Court Chapter also instructed its members to comply fully with the strike order.
“Sequel to the receipt of the circular from the JUSUN National Headquarters dated 30th May 2025, the JUSUN FCT High Court Chapter directs all its members to withdraw their service and remain at home,” read the notice.
The FCT chapter noted that it delayed passing on the order due to internal discussions and last-minute talks with management, which eventually fell through. They pointed to the government’s continued refusal to meet the union’s demands as the key reason the strike is going ahead.
The union notes that the strike will not be called off until the federal government meets its financial obligations to judiciary workers.
All courts under JUSUN’s jurisdiction, particularly those in the FCT, will remain locked until further notice. Many legal professionals and litigants were turned away on Monday morning, unsure of when court proceedings would resume.
