In a significant development, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has announced a two-week suspension of its planned nationwide industrial action, which was initially set to commence on June 2. This decision comes after a series of meetings between JUSUN leaders, the Minister of Labour, and other key stakeholders from the judiciary, all aimed at resolving the pending issues that led to the planned strike.
The intervention of the Minister of Labour and the meetings mandated by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, played a crucial role in the temporary halt of the strike action. According to a statement released by Mr. Joel Ebiloma, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the JUSUN National Judicial Council Chapter, the two-week grace period is intended to give the authorities time to address their concerns. Specifically, the Minister of Labour and other stakeholders have been tasked with resolving the outstanding problems with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation within this timeframe.
A key resolution from these meetings was the expectation that the Accountant General of the Federation would release the statutory allocations to the judiciary based on the 2025 Appropriation. This allocation includes arrears from the Wage Award, minimum wage, and a 25%/35% salary increase, which have been pending issues for the judiciary staff. The statement highlighted the efforts of NJC JUSUN in working tirelessly to resolve all pending issues, indicating a collaborative approach towards finding a solution to the challenges faced by the judiciary staff.
In light of these developments, JUSUN has directed its members to report to work on Monday, allowing stakeholders the opportunity to engage with the necessary authorities to ensure the release of the statutory allocations. The statement also commended the patience, courage, and understanding of its members, acknowledging the collective effort required to achieve their goals. With the concerted effort and zeal shown by the Secretary of the Council, Malam Ahmed Gambo Saleh, there is optimism that the required funds will be released within the stipulated timeframe, leading to a positive outcome for all parties involved.
This temporary suspension of the industrial action is a welcomed move, as it avoids the potential disruption of judicial services across Nigeria. The forthcoming two weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the negotiations between JUSUN, the Minister of Labour, and other stakeholders. The successful resolution of these issues would not only benefit the judiciary staff but also contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for all parties to maintain their commitment to finding a lasting solution, ensuring that the interests of both the staff and the broader public are safeguarded.
