JUSUN shuts Kaduna courts as strike over autonomy, unpaid entitlements begins

Courts across Kaduna State were on Monday, shut down 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.

From the Federal and State High Courts to the Upper Shari’a, Customary, and Magistrates’ Courts, judicial activities were completely grounded, with gates locked and banners bearing the inscription, “JUSUN Kaduna State chapter embarks on strike,” displayed at the entrances.

At the Shari’a Court, Magajin Gari, courtrooms were also closed, though a few staff members were seen outside the premises attending to individuals seeking affidavits.

The strike followed a notice issued on October 23, and signed by Nasiru Haruna, the union’s secretary. JUSUN accused the state government of ignoring multiple correspondences, including a demand letter dated September 1 and an ultimatum dated October 9, 2025.

According to the union, efforts to resolve the issues amicably were unsuccessful, leaving it with no option but to embark on industrial action.

Among JUSUN’s demands are the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), payment of withheld salaries for April and May 2021, implementation of consequential salary adjustments, and settlement of nine years’ arrears of a 20 percent salary component from 2016 to date.

Other demands include the payment of outstanding leave and transport grants covering nine years and outfit allowances for judiciary staff.

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The decision to proceed with the strike, JUSUN said, was reached at an emergency meeting held on October 23, 2025.

“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 union’s statement read in part.

It also directed all courts and judicial units, including the High Courts, Shari’a Courts, Customary Courts, and other judicial offices across the state, to ensure full compliance with the strike directive.