Enugu Law Officers Shut Down Official Duties Over Welfare, Allowances

By Venica Uchechukwu, Enugu

Law Officers in Enugu State have commenced a seven-day warning strike over the alleged failure of the state government to address outstanding issues relating to their welfare, remuneration and allowances.

The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Enugu State Chapter, announced the industrial action in a statement issued in Enugu on Friday and signed by its State Chairman, Comrade K.P. Onyia, and Secretary, Comrade M.O. Onyeze.

According to the association, the warning strike commenced from midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, and would last for seven working days.

The association said the decision followed what it described as prolonged efforts to engage the government on issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of Law Officers in the state.

A major demand of the association is the full implementation of the harmonization of Law Officer’s remuneration with that of Magistrates.

The Law Officers also demanded the payment of their Bar Practicing Fees and annual Bar Conference fees, which they said remained outstanding.

Other demands include the restoration and payment of allegedly slashed allowances, as well as arrears of transportation, hazard and wardrobe allowances.

The association directed its members not to attend court or undertake official assignments during the period of the warning strike.

It further directed that no Law Officer serving at the Abuja or Lagos Liaison Offices, Government House or any Ministry, Department or Agency should be on duty during the strike.

The association also instructed members to refrain from visiting correctional centres, police stations or other law enforcement agencies in furtherance of official duties throughout the period.

“During the strike, no Law Officer in Abuja or Lagos Liaison Offices, Government House or any Ministry, Department or Agency should be on duty, attend court, or visit correctional centres, police stations or other law enforcement agencies in furtherance of official duties,” the statement said.

The association said the action was a collective resolution of its members and directed Law Officers to refrain from carrying out government business during the seven-day period.

It, however, expressed hope that the warning strike would give the authorities an opportunity to address the outstanding demands and prevent the dispute from escalating into further industrial action.

The development could affect the delivery of government legal services and other official legal assignments in the state during the period of the warning strike, depending on the scope of compliance by members.