Lagos courts under lock and key as workers go on strike

ACTIVITIES at the courtrooms of the Lagos State Judiciary on Thursday came to a halt as workers stayed away to observe the nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to press home their demand improved minimum wage.

Lawyers and litigants who came to the courts were turned back at the gate by security guards keeping watch over the court premises.

TribuneOnline observed that the premises of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja was quiet and deserted.

All the doors of the courtrooms were chained and padlocked by workers to prevent proceedings from taking place.

The Chief Registrar, Mrs Taiwo Olatokun who arrived Ikeja High Court could not gain access to her office as the main door of the administrative building was also put in chain and padlock.

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Mrs Olatokun stood by the main gate and was seen discussing with some heads of departments of the judiciary.

None of the officials of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) was on the ground to answer media enquiries.

The NLC is asking for N50,000 as against the present N18,000 as the minimum wage for workers in the public and organised private sectors across the country.