The Federal High Court (FHC) Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Monday enforced a total shutdown of court operations by locking out judges, lawyers, staff, and litigants, following the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike declared by the union’s national leadership.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to the FHC headquarters along Shehu Shagari Way in Abuja revealed that all entry gates to the court complex were locked, effectively halting all legal and administrative activities.
The action brought proceedings to a standstill, with members of the public, court officials, and legal practitioners left stranded outside the premises.
The strike directive was issued on May 30 via a circular signed by JUSUN’s acting national secretary, M.J. Akwashiki. It instructed all chapter chairmen to ensure that members stayed away from work starting from midnight, Sunday, June 1.
According to the union, the decision followed a series of unsuccessful meetings with the Minister of Labour and Employment aimed at resolving longstanding grievances.
The union stated that the strike would continue indefinitely until the federal government meets its demands, which include:
- Payment of five months’ wage awards
- Implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage
- Application of a 25% and 35% salary increase across the board
“Solidarity forever,” the circular emphasized, underlining the union’s resolve.
Attempts by NAN to speak with union executives at the FHC were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly in a closed-door meeting.
Although unconfirmed reports suggest that some JUSUN chapters may have opted out of the industrial action, as of 9:48 a.m., the gates of the Federal High Court remained firmly shut.
