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Judicial activities at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and National Industrial Court in Ibadan came to a complete halt on Monday as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, enforced a nationwide strike, locking out judges, lawyers, and litigants.
The industrial action followed a directive issued by JUSUN’s national leadership mandating federal court staff across the country to begin an indefinite strike in protest against the non-payment of approved salary increases—25% and 35%—as well as unpaid minimum wage adjustments and wage awards.
At the court premises in Ibadan, gates remained firmly shut as staff gathered outside in solidarity, turning away legal practitioners and citizens scheduled for hearings.
A JUSUN official at the National Industrial Court, speaking anonymously, said the protest was born out of deep frustration with the government’s failure to address long-standing salary grievances.
“Our salaries can no longer sustain us in this economic reality. Judges hardly recognize us as part of the judicial system. We’ve tried all means to resolve this, but nothing has changed,” the official said, revealing that at least 10 judiciary staff across the country had reportedly died between February and now, allegedly due to poor working conditions and stress.
READ ALSO: JUSUN locks out judges as strike halts court activities
At the Court of Appeal, another JUSUN member, Mr. Atanda Babatunde, confirmed the union’s compliance with the national strike order, stating that the strike would continue until their demands are met.
Lawyers and litigants who arrived at the courts expressed disappointment and frustration over the disruption. Mr. Ismail Saka, a lawyer with a case at the Court of Appeal, said he was shocked to find the court closed.
“One of my clients came all the way from Sango-Ota, Ogun State, for this case. It’s heartbreaking to see how much time and resources were wasted,” Saka said. He urged the federal government to act swiftly, saying, “This strike is justified. The government must treat judiciary workers with compassion and fairness to avoid corruption.”
Another litigant, Mr. Wale Oyegoke, who had a case at the Federal High Court, lamented the high cost of transportation and economic hardship, describing the judiciary as “too critical to be ignored.”
“I spend about ₦60,000 weekly on transportation. The government must do better. They removed fuel subsidy and are earning more, yet judiciary workers are left suffering,” he said.
Mr. Seye Olawale, who traveled from Lagos for a case, shared a similar sentiment. “The road was bad, the trip was risky, and now I’m returning with nothing. It’s painful,” he said.
JUSUN’s strike has once again drawn national attention to the critical need for reform and funding within Nigeria’s judicial sector.
NAN
