Workers of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos joined their counterparts nationwide on Monday in a strike action initiated by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
JUSUN officials were seen around the court premises directing workers to return home in compliance with the union’s directive. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the strike stems from unresolved demands, including the payment of a five-month wage award, the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, and 25 to 35 per cent salary increases for judiciary staff.
According to a circular issued by the union on May 30, all chapters were instructed to ensure full compliance by asking staff members to stay away from work starting June 1.
The strike action disrupted normal activities at the Lagos division of the FHC, leaving lawyers, litigants, and journalists stranded, as they were denied access to the court. Even food vendors operating within the premises were asked to vacate.
A portion of the circular reads:
“This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the presence of the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was conciliating on our matter. We believe that, as directed by the organs of the union—the National Working Committee and National Executive Council—this action will continue until further notice.”
While some JUSUN chapters across the country were earlier reported to have opted out of the strike, the gates of the FHC in Lagos remained firmly shut at press time.
NAN, however, notes that the strike did not extend to the Lagos State High Courts or Magistrates’ Courts, which continued normal operations.