The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has directed its members nationwide to suspend their planned industrial action, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, June 2, for two weeks.

The strike has been postponed following the intervention of the Minister of Labour and other stakeholders, who have held a series of meetings with union leaders over the past 48 hours.

A statement released on Sunday by Mr Joel Ebiloma, Public Relations Officer of the JUSUN National Judicial Council Chapter, noted that the two-week reprieve was granted to allow the relevant authorities time to resolve outstanding issues.

The meetings involved representatives of JUSUN from various federal judicial bodies, the Minister of Labour, and other judiciary stakeholders, as mandated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to prevent the closure of courts on June 2.

It was specifically agreed that the Minister of Labour and other key stakeholders be given two weeks to address the pending challenges with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

During this period, the Accountant General is expected to release the statutory allocations to the judiciary in accordance with the 2025 Appropriation Act, which includes arrears of the Wage Award, minimum wage, and the 25%/35% salary increase.

The statement partly read, “Following the circular announcing industrial action from the National Headquarters of JUSUN for members at the Federal Judiciary level, scheduled to begin on Monday, June 2, 2025, a series of meetings were convened.

“These meetings involved JUSUN representatives from various federal judicial bodies, the Minister of Labour, and other judiciary stakeholders, as mandated by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“After extensive deliberations, NJC JUSUN is working tirelessly to resolve all outstanding issues.”

JUSUN further stated that during the meetings held over the past 24 to 48 hours, it was resolved to grant the Minister of Labour and other critical stakeholders two weeks to resolve the pending issues with the Office of the Accountant General.

“In light of this, NJC JUSUN hereby directs all staff to resume work on Monday.

“This will enable the relevant stakeholders to engage with the necessary authorities to ensure the Accountant General releases the statutory allocations to the judiciary based on the 2025 Appropriation Act, which includes arrears of the Wage Award, minimum wage, and the 25%/35% salary increase.”

The statement added, “We commend the patience, courage, and understanding of all our respected members during this struggle.

“We are confident that with the dedication and zeal demonstrated by our able Secretary of the Council, Malam Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the required funds will be released within the stipulated timeframe, and we shall all have cause to celebrate our collective victory.” (The PUNCH)