Magistrates in Kwara State have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns, unpaid allowances, and what they described as unfair treatment by the state government.
The industrial action is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 2, 2026, if authorities fail to address their demands before the deadline.
The decision was reached by members of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria during a congress held in the state, where members expressed dissatisfaction over what they called years of neglect and worsening working conditions.
In an official communiqué issued after the meeting, the association said magistrates had grown increasingly frustrated over issues relating to salary structure, unpaid statutory entitlements, and poor welfare support.
The communiqué, signed by the chairman of the association in Kwara, revealed that members unanimously agreed that industrial action had become necessary after repeated concerns failed to attract meaningful intervention.
One of the major concerns raised by the magistrates is the salary structure currently in place. According to the association, the situation has become deeply discouraging, especially as magistrates now earn less than court registrars on the same grade level.
The association described the development as both unfair and embarrassing for judicial officers who carry significant responsibilities within the justice system.
Another key issue raised was the non-payment of furniture allowance, which the magistrates said is a statutory entitlement expected every four years.
According to them, the allowance has not been paid since the administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed, leaving many judicial officers without benefits that are due to them by law.
The magistrates also complained about unpaid allowances and what they described as unequal distribution of official vehicles.
They alleged that while some magistrates were provided with official vehicles, many others were left out entirely, creating what they see as unfair treatment among officers within the same judicial structure.
The association disclosed that many members initially pushed for the strike to begin within 48 hours after the congress due to growing frustration.
However, the intervention of the Chief Judge of Kwara State reportedly changed the timeline.
According to the communiqué, the Chief Judge advised that due process required a minimum notice period of seven days before any industrial action could commence.
“Today, we held a crucial Congress where the voice of the Magistrates was heard loud, clear and resolute. There was palpable frustration and righteous anger over the challenges we face, and the overwhelming sentiment was a call to action that a strike must commence within 48 hours,” the communiqué stated.
Following further consultations, the magistrates agreed to issue a seven-day ultimatum, counting both Saturday and Sunday as part of the notice period.
“This strike shall commence on Thursday, the 2nd day of July, 2026,” they said.
The association urged its members to remain united and disciplined as the planned action draws closer.
It also assured members that the leadership would continue engaging relevant authorities while pressing for immediate solutions to the issues raised.
The demands of the magistrates include: “Immediate salary review to address the disparity in pay between magistrates and court registrars on the same grade level.
“Payment of furniture allowance, last paid during the administration of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Payment of other outstanding allowances; and Fair distribution of official vehicles among magistrates in the state.”
If no resolution is reached before the deadline, court activities across magistrates’ courts in Kwara State are expected to face major disruption.
The planned strike could significantly affect judicial proceedings, legal filings, and access to justice for residents across the state.
