…Lock out judges, lawyers, litigants, others
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Following the inability of the Federal Government to meet their demands, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), on Monday, June 2, 2025, commenced an indefinite strike as declared by its national leadership.
JUSUN is demanding for the payment of its members five months wage award, implementation of the N70.000 National Minimum Wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase.
The strike which effectively commenced in Abuja, the nation’s capital witnessed the lock out of judges, lawyers, staff members and litigants from accessing the headquarters of the Federal High Court located along Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja.
A visit to the Federal High Court by our correspondent, showed that all the entrance gates into the premises of the high-rise building were under lock and key.
As a result, Judges, staff members, lawyers, litigants, journalists and members of the public were denied access to the premises thereby paralysed business activities.
The national leadership of JUSUN had, on May 30, 2025, issued a circular directing all chapters’ chairmen to effective from midnight Sunday, June 1, order their members to stay at home.
The circular signed by M.J. Akwashiki, National Secretary, stated that the directive followed unfruitful meetings at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on their matter.
Akwashiki further said; “We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of our great union, the action will continue until further notice.
“Our demands are for the government to pay us 5 months wage award, implement the %70.000 National Minimum Wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase. Solidarity for ever,” the circular stated.
Officials of JUSUN in Abuja are yet to comment on the development even as it was gathered that some chapters of the union had backed out from the strike, but as at 10:00am, the premises of the Federal High Court were still firmly locked with no in and out movement.
