Law officers in Enugu State, under the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), have commenced a 7-day warning strike. The strike, which began at midnight on October 2, 2026, affects official legal activities across courts, government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as correctional centers in the state. This action follows alleged salary cuts, unpaid allowances, and prolonged neglect by the state government. The law officers claim they have been working under harsh and impoverishing conditions, with their situation worsening since 2020.
According to LOAN, the law officers' salaries were reduced and their hazard allowances completely removed in 2020. The association alleges that some officers have been forced to use their personal funds for official government assignments due to the withdrawal of allowances. LOAN has made several attempts to address these concerns with the government, but claims these efforts have yielded no satisfactory resolution. The association's demands aim to address longstanding disparities in the remuneration and welfare of state law officers.
LOAN has listed six core demands, including the full harmonization of law officers' remuneration with those of magistrates, payment of members' Bar Practicing Fees and Annual Bar Conference fees, and the full restoration and payment of law officers' transportation, hazard, and wardrobe allowances, along with arrears. The association directed all state counsel to down tools and suspend official legal representation on behalf of the state during the strike. Members were instructed to stay away from courts, correctional centers, police stations, and other law enforcement agencies.
The strike notice, dated September 30, 2026, stated that law officers in Abuja or Lagos Liaison Offices, Government House, or any Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) shall not be on duty, attend court, or visit any correctional center or police and/or other law enforcement agency during the strike. The association hopes that this brief period will enable the authorities to address their concerns. LOAN emphasized that the action is not simply about allowances but also about the professional status and welfare of law officers.
The law officers stressed that a just system must care for those who administer justice. They urged the state government to address their demands, stating that the warning strike is intended to draw attention to the issues and encourage the authorities to take necessary action. The association believes that fairness, professional dignity, appropriate remuneration, and the welfare of those who serve the state are essential.
The Enugu State Government has yet to react to the industrial action. SaharaReporters contacted Commissioner for Information Malachy Agbo, but he did not answer calls or respond to a text message seeking the government's position on the strike as of the time of filing this report. The strike's impact on the state's judicial and administrative activities remains to be seen.
The law officers' decision to go on strike highlights the challenges faced by public servants in Nigeria, particularly in the area of remuneration and welfare. The outcome of the strike and the government's response will likely have implications for the state's judicial system and the well-being of its law officers.
Key points
- Law officers in Enugu State have started a 7-day warning strike over alleged salary cuts and unpaid allowances.
- The strike affects official legal activities across courts, government ministries, and agencies in the state.
- LOAN has listed six core demands, including harmonization of remuneration and payment of allowances.
