Governor Peter Mbah
Anxiety and tensions between the Enugu State Government and its legal officers will climax at midnight on Friday, 2nd October 2026, as Law Officers across the state will officially commence a seven-day warning strike.
NewsBits learnt that the industrial action, organized by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Enugu State Chapter, will actually paralyze legal activities across government ministries, departments, agencies, and courtrooms within and outside the state. It was gathered that the decision to stop work arose from what the association described as years of unfulfilled promises, deliberate neglect, and worsening working conditions.
However, in an official notice issued from the LOAN Secretariat at the Ministry of Justice Headquarters, Three Arms Zone, Independence Layout, Enugu, the association’s leadership cited the government’s continuous failure to address several longstanding welfare grievances despite prolonged diplomatic engagements and official representations.
Key among the core grievances fueling the industrial action is a controversial salary reduction implemented six years ago. According to statement details provided alongside the strike notice: “In 2020, our salaries were slashed, placing an additional burden on officers and their families. Our hazard allowance was subsequently removed, despite the nature of the responsibilities and risks associated with our duties,” the leadership said in the press release.
LOAN further highlighted that state prosecutors and legal officers are routinely forced to fund out of their own personal pockets. To bring an end to the impasse, the association has outlined a six-point list of non-negotiable demands presented to the state executive: “Full Harmonization: Equalization of Law Officers’ remuneration with that of Magistrates in Enugu State.
“Professional Fees: Full payment of members’ Bar Practicing Fees and Annual Bar Conference fees. Allowances & Arrears: Full restoration and payment of transportation, hazard, and wardrobe allowances, alongside all accrued arrears.”
Emphasizing the total nature of the withdrawal of service, the strike directive signed by LOAN Chairman, Comr. K.P. Onyia, Esq., and Secretary, Comr. M.O. Onyeze, Esq., mandates complete compliance across all government legal arms:
“THEREFORE, Law Officers of Enugu State are to proceed on a 7-day warning strike from 12am on Friday, 2 October 2026 for 7 juridical days. During this period, no Law Officer in Abuja or Lagos Liaison Offices, Government House or any MDA shall be on duty, attend Court, or visit any Correctional Centre or Police and/or other Law Enforcement Agency in furtherance of any official duty; work from home or do anything on Government business pursuant to our collective resolution.”
LOAN leadership emphasised that the strike is a measure of last resort aimed at restoring respect to the legal profession within the public service. “This is not merely about allowances. It is about fairness, professional dignity, appropriate remuneration, and the welfare of those who serve the State,” the union said. It added that they remain hopeful this seven-day window will compel state authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the prolonged crisis.
