Courts across Kaduna State were shut down on Monday 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 industrial action, which affected the Federal and State High Courts, Upper Shari’a Courts, Customary Courts, and Magistrates’ Courts, brought judicial activities to a halt. Gates were locked and banners displayed with the inscription: “JUSUN Kaduna State chapter embarks on strike.”
At the Shari’a Court in Magajin Gari, the situation was the same as all courtrooms remained closed. Some staff, however, were seen outside the premises attending to individuals seeking affidavits.
The strike followed a notice issued on October 23 by the union’s secretary, Nasiru Haruna, stating that the decision became necessary after the state government failed to respond to repeated correspondences, including a demand letter dated September 1 and an ultimatum letter sent on October 9, 2025.
According to JUSUN, several attempts to resolve the issues amicably were ignored, forcing the union to take decisive action.
The workers’ demands include the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), payment of consequential salary adjustments, and settlement of withheld salaries for April and May 2021.
They are also demanding the payment of nine years’ arrears of a 20 percent salary component from 2016 to date, as well as outstanding leave, transport, and outfit allowances spanning the same period.
The union said the strike decision was reached at an emergency meeting on October 13, directing all courts and judicial units in the state to comply fully.
“All activities of the Kaduna State Judiciary shall be shut down. All staff are to withdraw their services until further notice,” the statement read.
