Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
Law officers under the Kwara State Ministry of Justice have issued a seven-day notice of an indefinite strike, warning the state government that they may withdraw their services over unresolved welfare issues, including alleged unpaid statutory allowances and the failure to harmonise their salaries and conditions of service with those of magistrates in the state judiciary.
The notice was issued by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Chapter, in a letter dated July 20, 2026, and addressed to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The letter was signed by the association’s Acting Chairman, Keyinde Ayorinde, and Secretary, Tolulope Oniyide, according to reports from the state.
The legal officers, who serve within the Kwara State Ministry of Justice in Ilorin, said they had repeatedly engaged the government and the Office of the Head of Service over their grievances but claimed that previous efforts had failed to produce a satisfactory resolution. They argued that the continued delay in addressing their demands had created frustration among members and affected morale within the state’s legal service.
Among their major complaints is the alleged non-payment of outstanding statutory entitlements. The association listed the unpaid benefits to include the remaining balance of the 50 per cent furniture allowance for 2020 and robe allowances for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. The lawyers said these allowances are legitimate entitlements attached to their professional responsibilities and should be paid without further delay.
The law officers also demanded the implementation of salary and condition-of-service harmonisation between state counsel under the Ministry of Justice and magistrates serving in the Kwara State Judiciary. They argued that the adjustment, which they said was based on a previous 2005 harmonisation approval, was necessary to address disparities and ensure fairness among legal professionals performing important roles in the administration of justice.
The association said their responsibilities extend beyond routine government duties, noting that law officers are involved in criminal prosecution, legal representation of government institutions, advisory roles and other functions essential to the effective operation of the justice system.
The seven-day notice period, which began on July 20, is expected to run until July 26, 2026. The association warned that if the government fails to address their concerns within the stipulated period, members would commence an indefinite strike, potentially affecting legal services provided by the Ministry of Justice across Kwara State.
The development comes shortly after similar welfare concerns were raised within the Kwara judiciary. In June 2026, magistrates under the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara State Chapter, also threatened industrial action over unpaid allowances, salary disparities and other welfare issues.
The magistrates had complained about issues including unpaid furniture allowances, salary structure concerns and what they described as unfair welfare conditions. Their dispute highlighted broader concerns within the state’s justice sector regarding remuneration, professional recognition and working conditions for judicial officers.
With law officers now issuing their own strike warning, pressure is mounting on the Kwara State Government to engage stakeholders and find a resolution before the deadline expires.
A prolonged dispute could have implications for the state’s justice system, as law officers play a central role in prosecuting criminal cases, advising government agencies and supporting the smooth running of legal processes.
As of Thursday, July 23, 2026, there had been no public announcement from the Kwara State Government indicating a final resolution of the matter. Attention remains on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration and relevant government officials to respond to the demands and prevent a disruption of legal services in the state.
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