The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, which was set to begin today, Monday, June 2, 2025. The union has granted a two-week grace period following last-minute interventions from the Minister of Labour and other key stakeholders.
A statement released on Sunday by Mr. Joel Ebiloma, Public Relations Officer of the JUSUN chapter under the National Judicial Council (NJC), said the suspension aims to give the government time to resolve long-standing issues affecting judiciary workers.
According to the statement, meetings were held over the weekend involving JUSUN leaders from federal judicial bodies, the Minister of Labour, and other stakeholders. These meetings were convened under the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who urged dialogue to avoid court closures.
At the heart of the dispute is the delay in releasing statutory funds to the judiciary by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. These funds, provided for under the 2025 Appropriation Act, include arrears of the Wage Award, the new minimum wage, and the recently approved 25% to 35% salary increase for judicial workers.
JUSUN said it had initially issued a circular announcing an indefinite industrial action beginning June 2. However, following what it called “extensive deliberations,” the union has now directed all judiciary staff to resume work while discussions continue.
“In light of this, NJC JUSUN hereby directs all staff to resume work on Monday,” the statement said. “This will enable the relevant stakeholders to engage with the necessary authorities to ensure the Accountant General releases the statutory allocations to the judiciary.”
The union stressed that the two-week suspension is not a cancellation of the strike but a window for authorities to act. If no progress is made by mid-June, the strike may resume.
“We commend the patience, courage, and understanding of all our respected members during this struggle,” the statement continued. “We are confident that with the dedication and zeal demonstrated by our able Secretary of the Council, Malam Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the required funds will be released within the stipulated timeframe.”
This development brings temporary relief to legal professionals and litigants nationwide who had been bracing for a total shutdown of court operations.
JUSUN has long advocated for financial autonomy for the judiciary, stressing that regular delays in fund disbursement compromise justice delivery and worker welfare.
The coming two weeks will now prove critical, as both government and union leaders race against time to meet the workers’ demands and prevent a full-blown industrial action that could paralyze the justice system.
