Enugu, Sept. 15, 2025 – The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Enugu State Chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears and failure to implement the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS).
Confirming the industrial action, Mr. Sampson Ifedimma, Chairman of JUSUN Enugu, told journalists on Sunday that the strike followed a directive from the union’s national body, ordering judiciary workers in the state to withdraw services effective Friday, Sept. 12, at 6:00 p.m.
According to Ifedimma, the strike is a continuation of earlier suspended action, provoked by the non-payment of entitlements due to judiciary workers. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to address welfare neglect.
“We are not on strike for luxury or frivolities. We are on strike because, despite autonomy, workers’ welfare has been neglected. Silence in the face of injustice is betrayal,” Ifedimma said.
The union chairman recalled that Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees financial autonomy for state judiciaries, mandating direct payment of salaries, allowances, and pensions from consolidated judiciary funds. However, he noted that despite partial implementation of autonomy in Enugu, staff welfare has remained overlooked.
Ifedimma urged the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal to urgently commence payment of CONJUSS, which has been pending since 2018. He further demanded settlement of four months’ arrears owed to High Court staff employed since October 2022, as well as seven months’ arrears owed to Customary Court staff.
He stressed that JUSUN was open to dialogue with relevant authorities, adding that the strike would be suspended once all outstanding demands were met.
The indefinite strike is expected to paralyze judicial activities in Enugu State, stalling court hearings, judgments, and other legal processes. Lawyers, litigants, and the general public who rely on timely justice delivery may face prolonged delays until the government and union reach a resolution.
As of press time, the Enugu State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the strike. However, government insiders hinted that discussions may soon be initiated to avert a prolonged shutdown of judicial services in the state.
This is not the first time JUSUN has embarked on a strike to press home its demands. In 2021, the union shut down courts nationwide for over two months, insisting on full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary. That action disrupted judicial operations across Nigeria, forcing many state governments to enter into fresh negotiations with the union. Observers say the current impasse in Enugu reflects a recurring challenge in balancing constitutional provisions with workers’ welfare. GMTNewsng
