Kwara Justice ministry law officers begin indefinite strike

By Ahmed Olayinka

Law officers in the Kwara State Ministry of Justice have commenced an indefinite strike following the alleged failure of the state government to pay outstanding statutory allowances and implement the harmonisation of their salaries and conditions of service with those of magistrates in the state judiciary.

The industrial action was announced by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Chapter, in a notice issued on Monday and signed by its Acting Chairman, Kehinde Ayorinde.

According to the notice, members of the association have been directed to immediately withdraw their services until the state government addresses their demands.

“Please take notice that LOAN, Kwara State Chapter, commences its indefinite strike action today, July 27, 2026, until the government responds to its demands. Members are therefore to suspend all official duties until further notice,” the statement read.

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Kwara State Government after efforts to resolve the lingering welfare issues failed.

The association is demanding the payment of the outstanding balance of its members’ 2020 furniture allowance, robe allowances for 2024, 2025 and 2026, as well as the implementation of the approved harmonisation of salaries, allowances and conditions of service for state counsel with those of magistrates.

The law officers said previous engagements with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Office of the Head of Service had not yielded the desired results despite assurances received after a three-day warning strike held in October 2025.

The association stressed that its members play a vital role in the administration of justice by prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal advisory services to government ministries and agencies, drafting legislation, and recovering public revenue through the prosecution of tax-related offences.

It maintained that the indefinite strike would continue until the state government takes concrete steps to address the outstanding welfare issues and fulfill its commitments.