Law officers in the service of the Enugu State Government have declared a seven-day warning strike following what they described as unresolved remuneration and welfare concerns affecting government lawyers in the state.
The industrial action, announced by the Enugu State Chapter of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, is scheduled to commence at midnight on October 2, 2026.
The decision was communicated in a notice signed by the association’s Chairman, K.P. Onyia, and Secretary, M.O. Onyeze, after what the group described as repeated correspondence and engagement with the state government failed to produce a satisfactory resolution.
Lawyers list demands
The law officers are demanding the full harmonisation of their remuneration with that of magistrates, payment of Bar Practising Fees and Annual Bar Conference fees, and restoration of transportation, hazard and wardrobe allowances, including arrears.
According to the association, salaries of law officers were reduced in 2020, while hazard allowances were subsequently removed.
The officers also complained that they routinely spend personal funds in the course of discharging official responsibilities.
The association argued that the demands are not merely financial but touch on professional dignity and the ability of government lawyers to perform responsibilities central to the administration of justice.
Law officers advise ministries and agencies, represent government in litigation, participate in criminal prosecutions and provide legal support for policy and administrative decisions.
The group therefore maintains that their working conditions should reflect the importance and professional demands of those responsibilities.
No court appearances during strike
During the seven-day warning strike, members have been directed not to report for duty at the Abuja or Lagos liaison offices, Government House, ministries, departments or agencies.
Law officers have also been instructed not to attend court, correctional centres, police stations or other law-enforcement agencies for official government business during the period.
Instead, members were directed to work from home while refraining from carrying out official assignments on behalf of government.
The strike could have consequences for ongoing government litigation and prosecution work if it continues for the full seven days.
It also brings renewed attention to the wider question of how public-sector lawyers are remunerated relative to other participants in the justice system.
LegalLinkz has previously reported advocacy for improved remuneration standards across the profession, including efforts by the NBA Remuneration Committee to promote compliance with the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order.
The Enugu dispute, however, concerns lawyers employed directly by government and the conditions attached to their public service.
As of the publication of the source report, no resolution of the dispute had been announced.
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