BREAKING: Nigerian Judiciary Workers, DSS 4-Hour Talks End In Deadlock As Union Vows To Begin Strike Monday Despite Supreme Court’s Withdrawal

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Federal High Court Chapter, has insisted on proceeding with its planned indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on Monday, June 2, 2025.

This decision comes despite the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN opting out of the industrial action.

A JUSUN executive told SaharaReporters exclusively on Sunday evening that the strike would proceed as scheduled, noting that a four-hour meeting held earlier that day failed to produce a positive outcome.

“Strike continues even as Supreme Court and National Judicial Council pulled out of the strike. We had a meeting with Director General of the DSS (Department of State Services) and Director of Operations at their headquarters which lasted for 4 hours,” the source said.

“Resolutions were not reached as another meeting is slated at the instance of the CJN (Chief Justice of Nigeria) with all stakeholders that matter, including the DSS.”

The source added that the status quo would remain until further directives.

The source added that the status quo would be maintained until further directives.

Similarly, Comrade Mohammed Isah, Secretary of JUSUN SCA, in a brief message on Sunday, stated, “We are just out of the meeting with the necessary stakeholders but JUSUN insisted that strike should continue.

“All staff should remain at home till further notice as another meeting will take place tomorrow as the strike is ongoing.”

SaharaReporters earlier on Sunday reported that the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN had firmly stated that it would not be joining the industrial action.

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 understood the broader concerns of judiciary workers nationwide, the prevailing situation at the Supreme Court was different and demanded 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.

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.

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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