Judiciary Workers Declares Nationwide Strike Over Removal Of Fuel Subsidy

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has initiated an industrial action in response to the removal of fuel subsidy.

This move comes after President Bola Tinubu announced the termination of fuel subsidy, leading to a tripling of the pump price of fuel.

Following the President’s declaration, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) directed its retail stations to increase the price of fuel per litre from N197 to a range between N488 and N570.

This abrupt surge in fuel prices has sparked widespread outrage and triggered a nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

In an official statement, M.J. Akwashiki, the General Secretary of JUSUN, conveyed the directive from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The statement called for all branches and chapters of the union to commence nationwide mobilization and withdrawal of services.

The JUSUN General Secretary’s statement read, “This action was taken following the decision of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) at their meeting on June 2, 2023, regarding the increase in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government through the NNPCL. All zonal vice presidents are to coordinate their respective zones by ensuring that branch and chapter chairmen mobilize their members for total compliance.”

The industrial action by JUSUN, a pivotal union representing judiciary staff across Nigeria, adds to the mounting pressure faced by the government due to the removal of fuel subsidy. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the judiciary’s functioning and could lead to a further escalation of the ongoing nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).