The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, has confirmed it will begin a nationwide indefinite strike today, Monday, June 2, 2025, following a four-hour deadlocked meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) on Sunday.
This move comes even as the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN pulled out of the industrial action.
A senior union official told Reporters that no meaningful agreement was reached during the lengthy talks with DSS officials, despite the urgency of the matter.
“Strike continues even as the Supreme Court and National Judicial Council pulled out,” the source said. “The status quo remains until further notice.”
The failed meeting was held at the DSS headquarters with top security operatives, including the Director General and Director of Operations. It was convened to stop the strike, but insiders say the judiciary workers remained adamant, citing long-standing unmet demands.
A follow-up meeting has reportedly been scheduled by the **Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)**, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, with all major stakeholders to address the impasse.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN announced its decision not to participate in the strike. This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of its executive members.
The Supreme Court workers cited the ongoing efforts by the CJN to meet financial obligations to judiciary workers as a reason for their non-participation. They also stressed the unique operational needs of the apex court.
“Although we understand the concerns, our chapter has resolved not to join the strike,” the communiqué stated.
Why Judiciary Workers Are Striking
The JUSUN leadership declared the strike following the government’s failure to fulfill multiple promises, including:
- Non-payment of five months’ arrears of wage awards
- Non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage
- Non-implementation of the 25/35% salary increase
In a circular dated May 30, the union ordered a total shutdown of Federal High Courts across Nigeria, stating that all staff should remain at home until further notice.
“As a result of failed negotiations and lack of commitment from the government, the union has resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike,” said Mr. Gideon A. Maku, JUSUN’s Public Relations Officer.
All eyes are now on the upcoming meeting called by the CJN. Until then, courtrooms across Nigeria are expected to remain empty disrupting legal processes nationwide.
