Courts locked down as judicial workers begins indefinite strike over judicial autonomy
Courts across Kaduna State were on Monday under lock and key as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commenced an indefinite strike to demand the implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary and other pending entitlements.
A visit to various court complexes by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the Federal and State High Courts, as well as the Upper Shari’a, Customary, and Magistrates’ Courts, were all closed. Banners bearing the inscription, “JUSUN Kaduna State Chapter Embarks on Strike”, were seen hanging at the entrances.
At the Shari’a Court in Magajin Gari, the situation was no different, as the courtrooms remained locked. However, a few staff members were spotted outside the premises attending to individuals who came for affidavits and other minor documentation.
NAN reports that JUSUN had, on October 23, issued a formal notice of an indefinite strike, signed by its Secretary, Nasiru Haruna.
According to the union, the industrial action followed the state government’s alleged refusal to address multiple correspondences — including a demand letter dated September 1 and an ultimatum issued on October 9, 2025.
JUSUN said that despite several attempts to resolve the matter amicably, the government had remained unresponsive.
“All efforts to reach an amicable resolution have been ignored, leaving us with no option but to down tools,” the union stated.
The union’s demands include the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary as provided in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the implementation of consequential salary adjustments, and the payment of withheld salaries for April and May 2021.
Other demands listed are the payment of nine years’ arrears of a 20 percent salary component from 2016 to date, the settlement of outstanding leave and transport grants, and the payment of outfit allowances owed to judiciary workers.
JUSUN explained that the decision to embark on the strike was reached at an emergency meeting held on October 13, following growing frustration among its members.
“An indefinite strike action shall begin on Monday. All activities of the Kaduna State Judiciary shall be shut down. All staff are to withdraw their services until further notice,” the statement partly read.
The union directed all courts and judicial offices in the state — including High Courts, Shari’a Courts, Customary Courts, and administrative units — to ensure total compliance with the strike order.
