Nasarawa Judiciary Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Branch, has commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the state government and Judicial Service Commission to implement its demands.

The union’s state chairman, Mas’ud Ubangari, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the action took effect from midnight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the relevant authorities.

According to Ubangari, the union decided to embark on the strike after what it described as delays in addressing its demands.

Among the demands are the immediate implementation of a 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, financial autonomy for the judiciary and the restoration of a 58.1 per cent salary increase.

The union is also demanding the implementation of pending staff conversions and outstanding promotions, cancellation of contract appointments that hinder career progression and the implementation of recommendations contained in the 2026 report of a committee headed by Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama.

JUSUN had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum before giving the state government another seven days to address its grievances. The union subsequently declared the indefinite strike after the second deadline expired without what it considered satisfactory action.

However, the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has rejected the timing of the industrial action, directing judicial workers to report for duty.

The commission said there was a subsisting order of the National Industrial Court concerning the proposed strike and described the action as premature.

It urged the union and its members to comply with the court order while the established process for resolving the dispute continues. The commission also warned that disciplinary measures could be taken against workers who fail to report for duty in accordance with the court directive.

The commission said a committee had already been constituted to investigate the issues raised by JUSUN and make recommendations.

It appealed to all parties to maintain industrial peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the administration of justice and the delivery of judicial services across Nasarawa State.