Judiciary workers in Benue State took a bold step on Monday, shutting down the state High Court in Makurdi to protest the non-implementation of the newly approved N75,000 minimum wage. The workers, members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Benue State chapter, barricaded the court gates, preventing entry into the premises.
The protest follows Governor Hyacinth Alia’s announcement of the minimum wage approval at the State Secretariat after meeting with representatives of organized labor in Makurdi. Despite the governor’s assurance that the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of arrears would be paid, along with the minimum wage, effective November 2024, the union claims that the new wage has not been implemented.
Jooli David, Assistant Secretary of JUSUN in Benue State, stated that the union was left with no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike, following the directive of the national body and the Nigeria Labour Congress. The union had issued a notification of indefinite strike action on Friday, citing the non-payment of the new minimum wage.
In a letter to the state governor, the union directed all judiciary staff across Benue State to withdraw their services and remain at home until further notice. The leadership of the union is scheduled to meet with the Head of Service later in the day to discuss the issue.
