Courts in Kaduna State were on Monday shut down as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) began an indefinite strike to demand the implementation of financial autonomy and other pending entitlements.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal and State High Courts, Upper Shari’a Courts, Customary Courts, and Magistrates’ Courts were all under lock and key, with banners on their gates reading: “JUSUN Kaduna State Chapter Embarks on Strike.”
At the Shari’a Court, Magajin Gari, courtrooms were also closed, though a few staff members were seen outside the premises attending to clients seeking affidavits.
According to NAN, the union had earlier issued a notice of indefinite strike on October 23, signed by its Secretary, Nasiru Haruna.
JUSUN said the action became necessary following the state government’s failure to respond to several correspondences, including a demand letter dated September 1 and an ultimatum letter dated October 9, 2025.
“All efforts to reach an amicable resolution have been ignored, leaving the union with no option but to down tools,” the statement said.
The union’s key demands include:
- Implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended);
- Implementation of consequential salary adjustments;
- Payment of withheld salaries for April and May 2021;
- Payment of nine years’ arrears of a 20 percent salary component (2016 to date);
- Settlement of leave and transport grant arrears covering nine years; and
- Payment of outfit allowances for judiciary staff.
The decision to embark on the strike was reached at an emergency meeting held on October 13, according to the union.
“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 notice read.
JUSUN also directed all courts and judicial units across the state — including High Courts, Shari’a Courts, Customary Courts, and other judicial offices — to ensure full compliance with the strike directive.
