The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has issued a 21-day ultimatum for the commencement of an industrial action over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage and judiciary financial autonomy.
In a communiqué released at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, JUSUN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the new minimum wage bill into law, increasing the minimum wage to ₦70,000. However, the union urged the federal government to take more concrete fiscal steps to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
JUSUN also acknowledged state governors who have begun implementing the new minimum wage but urged those yet to comply to do so immediately.
The union expressed dismay over the non-implementation of the national minimum wage, the 25%-35% salary increment since January 2024, and the ₦35,000 wage awards for federal judiciary workers. It called on President Tinubu to ensure the prompt implementation of these payments.
As part of its resolutions, JUSUN issued a 21-day ultimatum starting January 23, 2025, warning that failure to meet its demands would lead to an industrial action by judiciary workers across the country.
Furthermore, the union criticized state governors for failing to implement judiciary financial autonomy despite constitutional provisions and court rulings. JUSUN urged state governments to urgently take necessary actions to uphold judicial independence and safeguard democracy and the rule of law.
The communiqué was signed by Marwan Mustapha Adamu, JUSUN National President, and M. J. Akwashiki, Acting General Secretary.
Meanwhile, Abia State has been identified as one of the very few states that have already commenced the implementation of the new minimum wage for JUSUN workers. According to a reliable source, Abia is even ahead of the Federal Government in this regard.
This explains why the JUSUN Abia State Chapter did not respond to multiple requests to provide a template used by other states for implementation during negotiations. The Governor Alex Otti-led administration has made it clear that while it may not be infallible, the welfare of Abia workers remains a top priority.
However, the government emphasizes that all agreements entered into will be based on its financial capacity to ensure sustainability. It also expects negotiating groups to engage with responsibility, civility, honor, and honesty.
According to Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti is committed to building a civil service that will serve as a positive reference point. Abia has already gained nationwide recognition for its governance achievements in less than two years of Otti’s administration.
With this ultimatum in place, judiciary activities across Nigeria may face disruptions if the government fails to address JUSUN’s demands within the stipulated period.
