Federal High Court JUSUN Strike Begins Amid Supreme Court, NJC Withdrawal

Despite an apparent split within its ranks, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Monday, June 2, 2025. This decision comes in stark contrast to the stance adopted by the Supreme Court and National Judicial Council (NJC) chapters, which have withdrawn from the industrial action, citing unique institutional circumstances.

The strike action, according to union officials, stems from a protracted disagreement with the Federal Government over unpaid wage arrears and unimplemented salary adjustments. The Federal High Court Chapter of JUSUN issued a formal circular on Saturday, May 31, confirming the commencement of the strike after the government failed to meet its demands, including the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and a 25% to 35% salary increment for judiciary workers.

While union leaders acknowledge the efforts of some judicial leaders—particularly Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun—they insist that federal judiciary staff cannot continue working under unresolved wage disputes and poor remuneration conditions.

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A senior JUSUN official disclosed to SaharaReporters that a four-hour meeting held on Sunday with the Department of State Services (DSS) ended in deadlock. “Strike continues even as Supreme Court and National Judicial Council pulled out,” the source said. “We had a meeting with Director General of the DSS and Director of Operations at their headquarters which lasted for 4 hours.”

In addition, another critical meeting is reportedly in the pipeline. Convened at the instance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the gathering is expected to bring all stakeholders to the table. Until then, JUSUN leadership maintains that its members must stay away from work.

Federal High Court Workers Directed to Stay Home

The directive has been echoed in various communiqués across the country. Mr. Gideon A. Maku, Public Relations Officer of JUSUN, reiterated the union’s firm stance on the issue. He emphasized that unresolved grievances and lack of meaningful dialogue with the Ministry of Labour and Employment had left them with no other option. “All members of staff are hereby directed to remain at home until further notice,” Maku stated in a circular dated May 30, 2025.

The union demands include the payment of five months’ wage arrears, the full adoption of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and the application of an agreed salary increment—25% for some categories of workers and 35% for others.

Supreme Court and NJC Chapters Chart Separate Course

Interestingly, the Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN has decided against participating in the strike. Following an emergency executive meeting on May 31, the chapter released a communique distancing itself from the action. The statement, endorsed by 12 top officials including Comrades Danladi Nda Y. and Bala Sambo, said their decision was informed by “ongoing engagements and unique institutional circumstances.”

Moreover, the chapter praised the Chief Justice for her proactive stance in resolving internal issues. “The efforts and struggles of His Lordship, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in this matter cannot be put in vain,” the communique emphasized, advocating for patience and internal resolution over industrial action.

Echoing similar sentiments, the NJC Chapter of JUSUN also declared it would not join the strike. Its spokesperson, Joel Ebiloma, stated that the chapter had given the federal government a two-week window to address pending issues, especially concerning disbursements by the Office of the Accountant General. “We direct all staff to come to the office on Monday,” the NJC chapter declared, emphasizing continued engagement with stakeholders.

A Judiciary Divided, A Nation Watching

The unfolding drama has cast a spotlight on the internal rifts within the judiciary’s workforce. While the Federal High Court Chapter pushes forward with industrial action, senior bodies like the Supreme Court and NJC are opting for negotiation and patience. This division may dilute the overall impact of the strike, but it also underscores the complexity of the issues plaguing Nigeria’s judicial institutions.

The CJN’s upcoming meeting with stakeholders is seen as a potential turning point. However, until consensus is reached or tangible commitments are made by the Federal Government, courtrooms under the Federal High Court are expected to remain shut, grinding legal proceedings to a halt across the country.

As Monday dawns, Nigerians will be watching closely—waiting to see whether justice will be delayed, or eventually delivered.