Akangbe has publicly condemned reported threats and punitive measures against members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Branch

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, one of Nigeria’s respected senior advocates, has publicly condemned reported threats and punitive measures against members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Branch, amid an ongoing dispute over welfare and working conditions. His statement emphasises the importance of democratic rights, the rule of law, and constructive dialogue in resolving labour disputes involving public legal officers.

The dispute escalated after members of LOAN’s Kano State Branch commenced an indefinite strike on March 11, 2026, following unresolved grievances regarding salaries, allowances, and working conditions. The association had previously engaged the state government in several meetings and correspondences, including formal letters and committee recommendations dating back to June 2025, without satisfactory resolution. Earlier attempts at dialogue, including a temporary suspension of a planned strike in February 2026, did not yield results, prompting the association to invoke provisions of the Trade Disputes Act of 1976.

LOAN’s grievances include the non-payment of salaries and allowances at levels comparable to other states, outstanding fringe benefit allowances dating back to 2017, lack of statutory entitlements such as domestic servant allowances, sit-in and responsibility allowances for directors, and arrears owed to newly employed state counsel. The association also highlighted the failure to recompute retirement benefits for officers affected by the implementation of the N71,000 minimum wage, inadequate office accommodation, absence of official vehicles and essential facilities, and the mandatory application of the Kano State Health Contributory Scheme.

Akangbe condemned any threats or sanctions against the striking officers, describing such actions as undermining democratic principles and eroding public confidence in institutions. He urged both the state government and LOAN to prioritise dialogue, mutual understanding, and responsible engagement to resolve the dispute without escalation. He emphasised that while legal officers have a legitimate right to express grievances and pursue lawful industrial action, their work in administering justice is essential to governance, public confidence, and societal stability.

Civil society organisations have also expressed concern over reports of intimidation, urging the Kano State Government to engage constructively with the association to avoid undermining constitutional rights. The Nigerian Bar Association has called for an end to the strike, highlighting the need for a functioning justice system and the importance of upholding democratic norms while addressing the welfare concerns of legal officers.

Akangbe’s intervention underlines the delicate balance required in resolving disputes involving public legal officers. He stressed that threats or punitive measures are not a solution, and that sustainable resolution depends on dialogue, mutual concessions, and respect for both workers’ rights and the public interest. The ongoing situation reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s public legal services sector, where compensation, working conditions, and professional dignity intersect with governance and the administration of justice.

As negotiations continue, attention remains focused on whether constructive dialogue can provide a lasting resolution that safeguards the rights of legal officers while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of legal services in Kano State.

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