The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on Governor Alex Otti to promptly implement the national minimum wage for judiciary workers in Abia State. This demand comes in response to an ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which began on January 2, 2025, due to non-payment of the new wage.
In a communique signed by the chairpersons of five NBA branches in the state, the association expressed concern over the closure of courts caused by the strike. They emphasized that the actions of JUSUN align with directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the national JUSUN leadership.
The NBA also criticized the Otti administration for failing to adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JUSUN, which has led to repeated strikes. The association urged the government to meet the demands of judicial workers within five working days to end the industrial action.
Additionally, the NBA highlighted the negative impact of the strike on justice delivery in the state, noting that inmates are unable to process bail and that lawyers, especially younger ones, are suffering financially due to the court closures.
