Kwara State Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Threat Sparks Union Backing of Striking Lawyers

The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) condemned the Kwara State Government’s decision to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy against striking law officers, warning that the dispute could expand into nationwide industrial action if not resolved through dialogue. LOAN pledged full support for the lawyers of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, who are on an indefinite strike over unpaid furniture and robe allowances, salary harmonisation and alignment of state counsel conditions with magistrates.

In a statement signed by National President Ernest Edomwonyi and National Secretary Adesoji A. A., LOAN said the government’s threats would not solve the crisis and urged the authorities to address the grievances. The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Ilorin branch, Saad Jimoh Muhammad, also appealed for dialogue, noting that prolonged disruption would harm litigants and the public.

The union warned that if Kwara does not reconsider its stance, law officers in other states could be mobilised in solidarity, potentially escalating the industrial dispute across Nigeria.