COURT operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja were brought to a halt today as judiciary workers locked the gates of the Federal High Court, preventing access for lawyers, staff, and litigants.
This unexpected closure came just a day after a public statement declared that judiciary workers at federal courts would not participate in the ongoing strike.
When newsmen visited the Federal High Court this morning, the facility was sealed off. A similar situation occurred at the headquarters of the Court of Appeal, also in Abuja.
The disruption follows a directive issued by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in a communiqué dated May 30. The union instructed its federal branches to begin an industrial action starting at midnight on Sunday, June 1.
JUSUN, through Acting General Secretary M.J. Akwashiki, cited failed negotiations with the Minister of Labour and Employment as the reason for the strike.
The union’s demands include the payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, and a 25%/35% salary increment.
However, a contrary statement from the JUSUN chapter of the National Judicial Council (NJC), issued by its Public Relations Officer, Joel Ebiloma, indicated that the Supreme Court, NJC, and Federal High Court would not be joining the strike.
According to the statement, the decision followed an intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The statement also mentioned that a two-week grace period had been granted for the government to meet the union’s demands.