The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), representing workers in the Nigerian judiciary, has announced a two-week suspension of its planned nationwide strike, originally slated to begin on Monday, June 2, 2025. This decision comes after intensive negotiations and the intervention of key stakeholders, including the Minister of Labour, aimed at addressing the union’s concerns regarding unpaid statutory allocations, wage arrears, and salary increases. The suspension provides a crucial window for the relevant authorities to resolve these pending issues and avert the disruption of court activities across the country.
The impending strike action stemmed from the failure of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to release funds allocated to the judiciary in the 2025 Appropriation Act. These funds encompass crucial elements of workers’ compensation, including arrears of the Wage Award, minimum wage adjustments, and a 25%/35% salary increase. JUSUN’s initial decision to embark on the strike reflected the growing frustration among its members over the delayed payments, which impacted their livelihoods and undermined the effective functioning of the judicial system.
Recognizing the potential consequences of a prolonged strike on the administration of justice, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, mandated a series of meetings involving JUSUN representatives, the Minister of Labour, and other stakeholders. These discussions, held over the preceding 48 hours, focused on finding a workable solution to the impasse and ensuring the timely disbursement of the owed funds. The meetings underscored the importance of collaboration and open communication in resolving disputes within the public sector.
The outcome of these dialogues was an agreement to postpone the strike for two weeks, granting the Minister of Labour and other involved parties time to engage with the Office of the Accountant General. This two-week period serves as a critical timeframe for the Accountant General to release the withheld funds and demonstrate a commitment to resolving the financial discrepancies. The suspension represents a significant concession by JUSUN, demonstrating the union’s willingness to explore amicable solutions while upholding its responsibility to its members’ welfare.
The decision to suspend the strike was formally communicated in a statement released by Mr Joel Ebiloma, Public Relations Officer of the JUSUN National Judicial Council Chapter. The statement highlighted the intensive efforts of NJC JUSUN to address the outstanding issues and emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. It directed all staff to resume work on Monday, June 2, 2025, allowing for continued operation of the courts while negotiations progress. This resumption of duties signifies a temporary reprieve and allows for a period of renewed hope for a positive resolution.
The statement further conveyed JUSUN’s appreciation for the patience and understanding of its members throughout the challenging period. It expressed confidence in the efforts of Malam Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Secretary of the Council, to secure the release of the required funds within the stipulated timeframe. The statement also conveyed an optimistic outlook, anticipating a successful outcome that would benefit all members of the judiciary and ultimately strengthen the justice system. The suspension of the strike represents a crucial step towards resolving the financial dispute and ensures the continued operation of the Nigerian judiciary, albeit under a cloud of uncertainty regarding the timely release of the allocated funds.
