The gates of the Federal High Court in Abuja remained firmly shut on Monday morning as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, leaving judges, lawyers, and litigants stranded.
The industrial action, announced over the weekend, is in protest of the Federal Government's failure to meet key financial demands, including the payment of five months’ wage awards, implementation of a 70% minimum wage adjustment, and the approval of a 25% to 35% salary increase for judiciary workers.
As early as 8 a.m., union members barricaded entrances to the court premises, preventing judicial officers and legal practitioners from accessing their offices and courtrooms. Many were seen loitering outside the premises, expressing frustration over the sudden shutdown.
“This is not the first time we are being pushed to the wall,” one JUSUN official told reporters at the scene. “We've been patient for too long. Our demands are legitimate, and the government must act responsibly.”
The strike is expected to disrupt court proceedings nationwide, affecting high-profile cases and delaying the administration of justice.
Legal practitioners who spoke to the press described the shutdown as regrettable but understandable. “You cannot expect justice from a system that underpays and undervalues its workers,” one senior lawyer said.
JUSUN has vowed to continue the strike until their demands are fully met, urging the federal government to act swiftly to avoid a total collapse of judicial services in the country.