Enugu law officers begin seven-day warning strike over unpaid allowances

Law officers in Enugu State, under the aegis of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, have resolved to embark on a seven-day warning strike over the failure of the state government to address their lingering welfare concerns.

According to a notice issued to all law officers and signed by the association’s Chairman and Secretary, K.P. Onyia and M.O. Onyeze, respectively, the warning strike is scheduled to commence at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The notice, made available to our correspondent on Friday, said the decision followed prolonged attempts through correspondence and engagements to draw the government’s attention to the plight of its members, which had yielded no satisfactory resolution.

The law officers lamented that their salaries were slashed in 2020, placing an additional burden on officers and their families, while their hazard allowance was subsequently removed despite the risks associated with their duties.

They also noted that officers were routinely required to carry out official responsibilities using their personal funds.
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“The demands being made are neither unreasonable nor excessive,” the association stated, listing its core demands as “full harmonisation of Law Officers’ remuneration with that of Magistrates; payment of members’ Bar Practising Fees; payment of members’ Annual Bar Conference fees; and the full restoration and payment of transportation, hazard, and wardrobe allowances, including arrears.”

During the warning strike, the association directed that no law officer in the Abuja or Lagos liaison offices, Government House, or any ministry, department or agency should be on duty, attend court, or visit any correctional centre, police station or other law enforcement agency in furtherance of official duties.

The officers were instead directed to work from home and abstain from carrying out any government business pursuant to the association’s collective resolution.

The notice read in part, “We hope that this brief period will enable the authorities to do the needful. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!”

The association emphasised that the strike was not merely about allowances but also about fairness, professional dignity, appropriate remuneration and the welfare of those who serve the state.

“Law Officers provide legal services that are fundamental to the functioning of Government and the administration of justice. It is therefore important that the welfare, dignity and working conditions of those entrusted with these responsibilities receive the attention they deserve,” the statement added.

Raphael Ede

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