The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended its nationwide strike for one month, following a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The strike, which began on Monday, June 2, was over the non-implementation of the newly proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of its arrears. JUSUN members are now directed to return to work starting Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The decision to suspend the strike was announced in a communiqué jointly signed by representatives of JUSUN, the CJN, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other stakeholders. The agreement followed lengthy discussions aimed at resolving the union’s concerns.
According to the communiqué, the federal government has been given one month to release the required funds to the judiciary, with a promise that once the funds are available, JUSUN’s demands will be implemented immediately.
Some of the union’s demands include the full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, a 25 to 35 percent salary increment, and payment of a five-month wage award, including arrears.
The union acknowledged the intervention of the Chief Justice, the Ministry of Labour, and the NLC in helping to create room for negotiation. It also noted that suspending the strike was a sign of good faith while waiting for the federal government to act.
“This suspension is temporary. If, after one month, nothing has been done, JUSUN will be left with no option but to resume the strike,” a union representative said.
The recent strike had caused disruptions in court activities nationwide, affecting hearings and legal processes. Many lawyers and litigants expressed relief at the decision to call off the strike, hoping the one-month grace period will lead to lasting solutions.
The government is under increasing pressure to meet workers’ demands as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise across the country. All eyes are now on the federal authorities to honour their commitment before the end of the 30-day window.
