The Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike over the failure of the state government to address its long-standing welfare demands, including unpaid allowances and salary harmonisation.
The association announced the industrial action on Monday following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the state government.
In a notice signed by its Acting Chairman, Kehinde Ayorinde, members were directed to withdraw their services with immediate effect until the government responds to their demands.
The notice read, “Take notice that LOAN, Kwara State Chapter commences her indefinite strike action today, July 27, 2026, until the government responds to her demands. Members would therefore suspend all official duties till further notice.”
The lawyers had earlier warned Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration that they would embark on an indefinite strike if their grievances remained unresolved after the seven-day notice expired.
The association said the dispute stemmed from the government’s failure to settle outstanding welfare entitlements despite repeated engagements and several letters requesting intervention.
According to the lawyers, they play critical roles in the state’s justice administration, including prosecuting criminal cases, drafting legislation, vetting government contracts, prosecuting tax defaulters, providing legal advice to ministries, departments and agencies, handling gender-based violence cases, offering legal services to indigent citizens and mediating civil disputes.
The association expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s continued silence despite the strategic responsibilities performed by its members.
It recalled that members embarked on a three-day warning strike between October 27 and October 29, 2025, but suspended the action after the Office of the Head of Service and organised labour intervened with assurances that the issues would be resolved.
The lawyers, however, alleged that no meaningful action had been taken since then despite several reminders to the government.
Among the demands of the association are the payment of the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 2020 furniture allowance, settlement of the 2024 furniture allowance, payment of robe allowances for 2024, 2025 and 2026, and the implementation of the harmonisation of salaries and allowances.
The association also demanded the harmonisation of the conditions of service for State Counsel with those of Magistrates in the Kwara State Judiciary, in line with the 1999 and 2005 approvals.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government had yet to issue an official response to the strike or the demands of the lawyers.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt legal services involving state counsel and could affect the prosecution of criminal cases, legal advisory services to government agencies and other official legal duties across the state.
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