The threat of a widespread strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has badly interrupted the Nigerian judicial system over the non-payment of the national minimum wage and other perks. Because of this industrial action, courts in several states have already shut down, further contributing to delays in how the law is applied.
Understanding the Judiciary Workers’ Grievances
The main conflict is that the government has not provided judiciary workers with the nationally agreed minimum wage and other agreed benefits. Although the federal government increased wages in 2024, many judiciary staff in both federal and state courts are yet to see the new payments. JUSUN has given several warnings to the government, urging quick approval of wage raises and other financial benefits.
Court Closures and Ongoing Strikes Judiciary Workers Strike Nigeria
Benue State’s judicial system has been stopped for over a month as a result of JUSUN’s indefinite strike. The union says judges and court staff are not receiving minimum wage and because of this, many courts are still closed and cases are piling up.
Likewise, in Abia State, JUSUN called off its strike after the state government entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and paid arrears for late wages. The union praised the government for moving fast to help judiciary workers and for focusing on their well-being.Judiciary Workers Strike Nigeria
At the federal level, JUSUN has made clear that it wants the government to carry out the new national minimum wage and other benefits within seven days. Not satisfying these demands means the union plans an indefinite strike starting on February 20, 2025.
Public Reaction: Lawyers and Detainees AffectedJudiciary Workers Strike Nigeria
The strikes have made a big difference in the daily lives of legal professionals and those who are in prison while waiting for trial. Lawyers in Abia State say they cannot complete their cases which is leading to financial distress and negative effects on their careers. Those whose relatives are detained are worried that the delays caused by these court closures result in fewer opportunities for justice and in them facing more time in prison.
Sources and Statements
According to Vanguard News, the Nigerian Bar Association called for the new minimum wage to be implemented to help stop the JUSUN strike in Abia State.
It reported that Benue State’s judicial activities are still held back because of the strike.
The Punch newspaper stated that the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria gave the federal government seven days, warning of possible indefinite strike.
Urgent Need for Resolution on Judiciary Workers Strike Nigeria
Because of the judiciary workers’ strike in Nigeria, it is clear that the government must settle pay disputes and ensure it meets its financial obligations to workers. Since court closures are disrupting legal decisions and delaying justice, taking prompt action is needed to settle the issue and get the country’s judiciary back on track.
