RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Nasarawa State branch, has commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the state government and the Judicial Service Commission to implement its demands.
The union’s state chairman, Mas’ud Ubangari, confirmed the development on Wednesday in Lafia, the state capital, saying the industrial action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the relevant authorities.
Ubangari directed members of the union to withdraw their services from midnight on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, accusing the authorities of delaying action on the issues raised by the workers.
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 a 58.1 per cent salary increase.
The union is also demanding the implementation of pending staff conversions and promotions, as well as other welfare and career-related measures.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Ogbere Zachariah, JUSUN accused the Nasarawa State Government of failing to adequately respond to the issues presented by the union.
The union further demanded the restoration of a 58.1 per cent salary increase,ase which it said was approved and implemented in 2010 before being withdrawn.
JUSUN also called for the implementation of the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance approved in 2014 and full compliance with provisions on financial autonomy for the judiciary.
Other demands include the cancellation of contract appointments to enable workers to progress in their careers, approval of a 40-year service period and a retirement age of 65 for judiciary workers, as well as implementation of the 2026 report of the committee headed by Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama.
The union said the strike would continue until the relevant authorities take concrete steps to address its demands.
However, the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has directed all judicial workers to report to their respective duty posts and continue working.
In a statement signed by the commission’s Executive Secretary, Ramatu Idris, chief registrars were directed to ensure compliance with the order.
The commission appealed to the union and other stakeholders to maintain industrial peace, warning against actions that could disrupt the administration of justice and delivery of judicial services in the state.
The commission said a committee headed by Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama had been constituted to investigate the grievances raised by JUSUN and recommend measures for resolving the dispute.
According to the commission, the committee had completed its assignment and submitted its report for consideration.
It described the proposed strike as premature, citing an existing order of the National Industrial Court concerning the planned industrial action.
The commission urged JUSUN members to comply with the court order and allow the established process for resolving the dispute to continue.
JUSUN had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government and Judicial Service Commission before issuing another seven-day ultimatum on September 7, 2026.