Strike Suspended, Tensions Remain — Judiciary Workers Cautious as Doors Reopen
Byline: IDNN Labour & Justice Sector Watch Desk
Abuja — The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has temporarily suspended its nationwide strike, following an emergency intervention by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and top judicial officers.
JUSUN had declared the strike on June 2 to protest:
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Non-payment of promised salaries and allowances
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Delayed implementation of judiciary autonomy
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Alleged neglect of prior agreements by the Federal Government
The action had forced the shutdown of courts across many states, leaving cases stranded and legal activity in limbo.
What Broke the Deadlock?
According to JUSUN’s National Secretary Isaiah Adetola, the union suspended the strike after receiving written assurances from key stakeholders, including:
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NJC officials
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Federal Judicial Service Commission
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Ministry of Labour and Employment
“We are resuming work, but we are not folding our arms,” he said. “If by the end of June we don’t see movement, the strike resumes automatically.”
Supreme Court and NJC Had Opted Out of Strike
The strike suspension follows a controversial split last week when the Supreme Court and NJC disassociated themselves from the industrial action, prompting JUSUN to accuse them of betrayal.
Observers say that embarrassment and stalled legal proceedings eventually forced all parties back to the table.
“The judiciary cannot preach justice and practice oppression,” a senior judge reportedly told negotiators.
Backlog Awaits as Courts Reopen
Legal analysts warn that even as the strike ends, severe case backlog and public confidence issues persist. Many litigants lost scheduled hearings, bail reviews, and filings during the shutdown.
The Federal Government, meanwhile, has not publicly confirmed if financial arrears will be paid immediately.
🔍 IDNN LEGAL SECTOR ANALYSIS
Why the Judiciary Keeps Going on Strike — and Why Nigerians Are Paying the Price
👉 Background Noise:
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The Nigerian judiciary has gone on strike at least 5 times in the last decade
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Core issue: autonomy without cash means nothing
👉 This Strike Exposed:
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Gaps between judicial leadership and staff welfare
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The Federal Government’s habit of ignoring MoUs until workers walk out
👉 What’s Next?
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Eyes now on the end-of-June compliance deadline
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Any delay could trigger a hotter, longer, more damaging second wave
🗣️ Bottom Line: This is not victory. This is a truce. The real trial begins now.
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