The Nigerian judicial system ground to a screeching halt today as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) launched an indefinite nationwide strike, locking judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants out of major federal courts in the nation’s capital, including the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The dramatic action, which defied a directive from the National Judicial Council (NJC) urging some JUSUN branches to abstain, has plunged the country’s legal system into chaos, leaving courtrooms deserted, legal proceedings stalled, and stakeholders grappling with uncertainty.
The strike, which began at midnight on June 2, 2025, stems from long-standing grievances over the federal government’s failure to address critical demands from judicial workers. At the heart of the dispute are calls for the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage, the payment of five months’ worth of wage award arrears, and a promised 25/35 percent salary increase for judicial staff. JUSUN, representing thousands of court employees across Nigeria, has accused the government of dragging its feet on these issues, prompting the union to take the drastic step of shutting down court operations nationwide.
A Morning of Locked Gates and Frustration
In Abuja, the impact of the strike was immediate and stark. Early Monday morning, court premises in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were eerily quiet, with locked gates and security personnel barring entry. Judges, accustomed to presiding over high-profile cases, were turned away alongside lawyers, litigants, and court staff. The Federal High Court, a hub for significant legal battles, and the Court of Appeal, a critical appellate institution, stood as silent symbols of the ongoing labor dispute. Litigants, some of whom had traveled long distances to attend hearings, were left stranded, their cases indefinitely postponed.
“I arrived at the court at 7 a.m., only to find the gates locked and no one to explain what was happening,” said Chinedu Okeke, a litigant whose case was scheduled for hearing at the Federal High Court. “This is frustrating. We don’t know when the courts will reopen or how long this will drag on.”
Lawyers, too, expressed dismay at the sudden disruption. “This strike affects everyone—clients, lawyers, and even the judges,” said Amaka Nwosu, a barrister practicing in Abuja. “Cases that were already delayed by backlogs are now in limbo. The ripple effect on the justice system will be felt for months.”
The Roots of the Dispute
The JUSUN strike is rooted in a series of unfulfilled promises by the federal government, according to union leaders. The demand for a ₦70,000 minimum wage aligns with broader labor movements in Nigeria, where workers across sectors have pushed for better pay amid rising inflation and economic hardship. The wage award arrears, which JUSUN claims have been unpaid for five months, were meant to serve as a temporary relief measure for judicial staff. Additionally, the union has been advocating for a 25/35 percent salary increment, which they argue is essential to reflect the rising cost of living and the critical role of judicial workers in upholding the rule of law.
JUSUN’s decision to strike was not taken lightly. The union had issued several ultimatums to the government, warning of industrial action if their demands were not met. However, negotiations reportedly stalled, with the government citing budgetary constraints and competing priorities. Frustrated by the lack of progress, JUSUN leadership announced the indefinite strike, vowing to keep courts closed until their demands are addressed.
Complicating matters, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s judiciary, issued a directive urging some JUSUN branches to refrain from joining the strike. The NJC argued that the strike could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and exacerbate delays in justice delivery. However, JUSUN’s leadership dismissed the directive, asserting that their members were united in their resolve to press for better working conditions.
Voices from the Ground
The human toll of the strike was palpable in Abuja, where the locked gates of the courts told only part of the story. For many litigants, the strike represents yet another obstacle in their quest for justice. Aisha Mohammed, a mother of three seeking a divorce, expressed her frustration: “I’ve been coming to court for over a year, and now this strike means I have to wait even longer. How am I supposed to move on with my life?”
Judges, too, are caught in the crossfire. While they are not directly involved in the labor dispute, the strike has rendered them unable to perform their duties. A senior judge, speaking anonymously, lamented the situation: “The judiciary is a critical pillar of democracy, but we are helpless when the system is shut down like this. It’s a disservice to the public.”
Lawyers, meanwhile, are grappling with the financial implications of the strike. For many, court appearances are a primary source of income, and the sudden halt in proceedings has left them in a precarious position. “We understand the workers’ grievances, but this strike hurts everyone,” said Emeka Okafor, a lawyer based in Abuja. “The government needs to act quickly to resolve this.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the strike enters its first day, there is little clarity on when or how the impasse will be resolved. JUSUN has vowed to continue the action until the government meets its demands, while the NJC’s directive suggests potential internal divisions within the judiciary. The federal government, for its part, has yet to issue a formal response to the strike, leaving stakeholders in limbo.
Analysts warn that a prolonged strike could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the judiciary but also for Nigeria’s broader socio-political landscape. The courts play a critical role in resolving disputes, upholding the rule of law, and checking the excesses of other arms of government. A paralyzed judiciary could embolden impunity and exacerbate tensions in an already volatile environment.
For now, the gates of Nigeria’s courts remain locked, and the wheels of justice have ground to a halt. As judges, lawyers, and litigants wait for a resolution, the JUSUN strike serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s public sector and the urgent need for dialogue to restore normalcy.
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