According to the union, the unique circumstances of the Supreme Court and its ongoing engagements make it impractical to participate in the strike, which was initiated by their colleagues in lower courts across the country.
The Supreme Court chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has firmly stated that it will not be joining the industrial action planned to commence on June 1, 2025.
This decision was reached following an emergency meeting of the chapter’s executive members, held at the Supreme Court complex on May 31.
According to the union, the unique circumstances of the Supreme Court and its ongoing engagements make it impractical to participate in the strike, which was initiated by their colleagues in lower courts across the country.
“Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN hereby resolves not to join in the proposed strike action by the Federal Courts slated to commence 1st June, 2025,” the communique stated.
The chapter stressed that although it understands the broader concerns of judiciary workers nationwide, the prevailing situation at the Supreme Court is different and demands a tailored approach.
The chapter underscored that its decision was influenced by the substantial efforts made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatukunbo Kekere-Ekun, to resolve the outstanding financial obligations to judiciary workers.
It commended the CJN’s commitment, noting that she has even taken the extraordinary step of visiting the office of the President to advocate directly for the payment of the outstanding arrears owed to judiciary workers. Additionally, she has issued multiple formal appeals to highlight the plight of judiciary staff and secure their entitlements.
“The executives of the Staff Union came to conclusion after careful assessment of the issues, and subsequent efforts of the Hon., the CJN to resolve every outstanding, accruing to judiciary staff,” it said.
“The office is considering policies that will at the long run be beneficial to staff.
“Therefore, joining the proposed strike will amount to misplacement priority and neglect from the Supreme Court staff.”
The chapter argued that to join the strike at this time would disregard the CJN’s determined efforts and could undermine the progress that has been made so far.
It further explained that the welfare of Supreme Court staff remains a top priority and that the chapter’s current approach—marked by ongoing dialogue and cooperation with the relevant authorities—would better serve the long-term interests of staff.
In its communiqué, the chapter said it had yet to receive any official directive from JUSUN’s national headquarters instructing it to join the strike.
“Up till this moment, at the time of writing this report, the National Headquarters is yet to send the copy of the said circular to our JUSUN, Supreme Court Chapter,” it said.
As a result, the Supreme Court chapter views its position as consistent with the best interests of its members and in line with the overall mission of the judiciary.
Despite pressures from some staff members who support participation in the strike, the chapter leadership has called for patience and restraint. It reaffirmed that it will continue to actively support the CJN in efforts to secure the payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements for judiciary workers.
The leadership also assured staff that the union remains committed to working tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome without disrupting essential judicial services at the apex court.
The communiqué was signed by twelve executive members of the chapter, including Comrade Danladi Nda Y., Comrade Bala Sambo, Comrade Bala Nuhu Aseku, Comrade Comfort Ataghar M., Comrade Idrisa Sadiq N., Comrade Faustina Onyinyechi Amadi U., Comrade Adamu Yunusa Kyara, Comrade Musa N. Chonoko, Comrade Leonard Okafor, Comrade Godwin Afemonbhio, Comrade Christian Onwurah, and Comrade Iyal Muhd. Tukur.
In their message to staff, the chapter reiterated that it is standing firmly by the Chief Justice of Nigeria in her efforts to ensure that all pending dues are paid to judiciary workers.
It emphasised that while the concerns of colleagues in other courts are recognised and appreciated, the Supreme Court chapter’s decision is guided by the unique circumstances surrounding the apex court and its unwavering support for the CJN’s mission to uphold the welfare of judiciary staff.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and patience, reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to the broader goal of ensuring the welfare and rights of all judiciary workers in Nigeria.
“Our chapter is discussing tirelessly with all Federal Court Chapters to put in cognisance of the restless effort and commitment by His Lordship the Hon., the Chief Justice of Nigeria,” it said.
On Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that JUSUN, Federal High Court Chapter, had declared an indefinite nationwide strike.
The call for the strike action was made in response to the government’s failure to implement agreed wage increases for judicial workers.
The leadership of JUSUN in a circular dated May 30 and seen by SaharaReporters on Saturday, ordered the shutdown of various Federal High Courts across the country as from Monday, June 2.
The union’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gideon A. Maku, said the strike action followed a breakdown in negotiations between JUSUN’s national leadership and the Minister of Labour and Employment on Friday, May 30, 2025.
According to him, the action is to protest against the non-payment of five months’ arrears of wage award, non-implementation of N70,000 national minimum wage and the non-implementation of the 25/35 per cent salary increase.
“As a result of the failed negotiations and lack of government commitment, the Union has resolved to proceed on an indefinite strike effective from Monday, June 2,” the circular stated.
“All members of staff are hereby directed to remain at home until further notice.”
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