The Nigerian Bar Association has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to urgently implement the new national minimum wage for judiciary workers to end the industrial action initiated by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria on January 2, 2025.
Under the umbrella of the body of chairmen of NBA branches in the state, the association expressed grave concern over the continued closure of courts due to the strike caused by the government’s failure to pay the new minimum wage and implement other salary adjustments under the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure.
In a communiqué signed by the chairmen of the five NBA branches in Abia State—Charles Onuchukwu (Aba Branch), Isaac Anya (Umuahia Branch), Eze Nwaegoro (Isiala Ngwa Branch), K.O.K Ojike (Ohafia Branch), and Kingsley Nwachi (Ukwa Branch)—the NBA highlighted that JUSUN’s strike was in line with directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress and JUSUN’s national leadership. The unions had mandated state chapters to enforce industrial action in states failing to comply with the new minimum wage provisions.
The communiqué also criticized what the NBA described as the “recurring failures” of Governor Otti’s administration to honour the Memorandum of Understanding reached with JUSUN, resulting in repeated strikes.
The NBA chairmen resolved to engage the state government to ensure that judiciary workers’ demands are addressed within five working days to bring an end to the strike.
Highlighting the strike’s impact, the NBA lamented the paralysis of the judicial system, leaving inmates unable to access justice and lawyers unable to earn a living.
“Inmates awaiting trial are endlessly detained, and those granted bail before the strike cannot process their bail terms to regain freedom. Pre-trial detainees, presumed innocent until proven guilty, remain in custody without access to courts to seek bail,” the communiqué read.
The association further decried the financial losses incurred due to the closure of courts, stressing that, “The judiciary is losing huge revenue with the continued closure of courts. Most lawyers, especially young ones who rely on daily appearance fees, are suffering due to the government’s inaction.”
The NBA called for immediate action to resolve the crisis, restore judicial operations, and alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing strike.
