Judiciary workers in Nasarawa State have commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the state government and the Judicial Service Commission to address their demands.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Branch, declared the industrial action on Tuesday night after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the authorities.
The state chairman of JUSUN, Mas’ud Ubangari, confirmed the development to our correspondent in Lafia on Wednesday, directing members of the union to withdraw their services from midnight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Ubangari said the union was forced to take the action after the authorities allegedly failed to respond to its demands, despite the expiration of the ultimatum.
Among the demands are the implementation of a 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, financial autonomy for the judiciary, reinstatement of a 58.1 per cent salary increase, as well as pending conversions and promotions.
In a statement obtained by our correspondent, the JUSUN Public Relations Officer, Ogbere Zachariah, accused the state government and other relevant authorities of neglecting the union’s demands.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of addressing our demands which were officially communicated to both the Government and the Chairman, Judicial Service Commission, and copied to the DSS, Commissioner of Police, Attorney-General, NBA and other relevant authorities, they have chosen to employ delay tactics and are merely playing to the gallery.
“It is rather unfortunate that all the relevant authorities have chosen to remain silent, pretending to be ignorant of our demands, which include: Reinstatement of the 58.1% salary increase approved and implemented since 2010 but hitherto withdrawn, despite the excruciating economic hardship in the country. Workers of the Judiciary in Nasarawa State remain the worst paid in Nigeria.
“Implementation of the 40% Peculiar Allowance approved by the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission since 2014; Full compliance by the Executive with the release of Financial Autonomy as enshrined in the 4th Alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Nasarawa State Gazette of 2021 signed by His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.
“Cancellation of contract appointments with a view to allowing staff to enjoy career progression without barriers, as provided for in the Public Service Rules of both the Federal and State Governments; Facilitation of the approval of 40 years of service and 65 years as retirement age for all Judiciary staff, as done for Magistrates and other Judges in the State through the JSC.
“Immediate implementation of the Justice Shams Shama-led Committee Report of 2026,” the statement read.
The union said the strike would continue until the relevant authorities took concrete steps to address its demands.
However, the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has directed all judicial workers to report to their duty posts and continue working, citing an existing order of the National Industrial Court.
In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ramatu Idris, all chief registrars were instructed to ensure that the directive was complied with.
The Commission also appealed to the parties involved to maintain industrial peace and avoid actions that could affect the administration of justice and delivery of judicial services in the state.
The Commission said it had earlier constituted a committee headed by Hon. Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama to investigate the issues raised by JUSUN and make recommendations towards resolving the dispute.
“In response to these demands, the Commission constituted a Committee, headed by Hon. Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama, to investigate the issues raised and make recommendations towards resolving the dispute. The Committee has completed its assignment and submitted its Report for consideration.
“The Commission therefore considers the proposed industrial action at this stage premature, particularly in view of the ongoing process initiated to address the Union’s demands and the existence of a subsisting order/ruling of the National Industrial Court concerning the proposed industrial action.
“The Commission accordingly calls on the Union and all staff to respect and comply with the subsisting Court Order and refrain from embarking on industrial action at this stage, thereby allowing the established process for resolving the issues to run its course.
“The Commission also assures the Union that its grievances are receiving due and serious consideration and that the Committee’s Report will facilitate further consideration and appropriate action by the relevant authorities,” the statement added.
JUSUN had on Monday, September 7, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government and the Judicial Service Commission.
The ultimatum followed the expiration of an earlier 21-day notice issued by the union.
