Judiciary workers under the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Monday locked out judges, lawyers, staff, and litigants from the Federal High Court in Abuja as they commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid benefits and wages.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that all entrance gates to the high-rise building housing the Federal High Court headquarters along Shehu Shagari Way were under lock and key, with business activities in and around the court completely paralyzed.

The industrial action follows a directive issued on May 30 by JUSUN's acting National Secretary, M.J. Akwashiki, instructing all chapter chairmen to direct their members to stay home effective midnight Sunday, June 1.

Workers' Demands

According to the union's circular, the strike action was prompted by "unfruitful meetings" with the Minister of Labour and Employment who had been mediating the dispute. The judiciary workers are demanding:

- Payment of five months' wage award

- Implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage

- Implementation of 25/35 percent salary increase

"We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of our great union, the action will continue until further notice," the circular stated.

NAN's observation at the court premises as of 9:48 a.m. confirmed that the Federal High Court gates remained locked despite reports that some JUSUN chapters had allegedly backed out from the industrial action.

Efforts by reporters to speak with executive members of the union were unsuccessful as they were said to be in a meeting at the time.

The strike is expected to significantly impact court proceedings across the country, potentially causing delays in the administration of justice if not resolved promptly.