The Supreme Court and National Judicial Council (NJC) chapters of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have announced their decision to pull out of the nationwide strike action declared by the union.
JUSUN’s national headquarters had on Friday issued a directive for all members to begin an indefinite strike from midnight on Sunday. The action, according to the union, was necessitated by failed negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment concerning workers’ demands.
In a circular signed by JUSUN’s General Secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, and dated May 31, 2025, the union listed its key demands: the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25/35 percent salary increase.
However, the Supreme Court chapter, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Danladi Nda Y., and dated the same day, said it could not proceed with the strike due to the short notice and decisions made by chapters in lower courts. The statement acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to improve staff welfare at the Supreme Court.
“The short notice and decisions made by our colleagues in lower courts are not practical for us at the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the tireless efforts of His Lordship, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, should not be in vain but must be allowed to yield the desired outcomes,” the statement read.
It also noted that discussions are ongoing with other federal court chapters to consider the CJN’s consistent commitment to the welfare of judiciary staff.
Similarly, the NJC chapter, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joel Ebiloma, said it is working to address unresolved issues. The chapter has chosen to give the Minister of Labour and other stakeholders a two-week window to resolve matters with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
“In view of this, NJC JUSUN is directing all staff to report to work on Monday,” the statement said.
It added that this grace period will allow stakeholders to engage with the necessary authorities to facilitate the release of statutory judiciary allocations, as outlined in the 2025 appropriation. These include the captured wage arrears, minimum wage, and the proposed salary increase.
