Kwara magistrates indefinite strike…

Magistrates in Kwara State have declared an indefinite strike effective July 2 over poor welfare conditions, unpaid allowances and what they described as unfair treatment by the state government.

Key highlight:

1. Magistrates in Kwara State have declared an indefinite strike scheduled to begin on July 2, 2026, over poor welfare conditions and unpaid entitlements.
2. The decision was reached during a congress of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, where members expressed frustration over years of neglect.
3. The magistrates criticized the current salary structure, noting that a Grade Level 14 magistrate earns less than a court registrar on the same grade level.
4. The association also condemned the non-payment of furniture and other allowances, as well as what it described as unfair distribution of official vehicles among magistrates.
5. Following intervention by the state’s Chief Judge, the association agreed to issue a seven-day notice before commencing the strike while demanding improved salaries, payment of outstanding allowances, and equitable welfare provisions.

The decision was reached at a congress of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara State chapter, where members expressed dissatisfaction over lingering welfare challenges affecting judicial officers in the state.

In a communiqué signed by the state chairman of the association, the magistrates said they were compelled to embark on the industrial action following years of neglect, particularly in the areas of salaries, allowances and provision of official vehicles.

The association lamented that the current salary structure places magistrates at a disadvantage, noting that a Grade Level 14 magistrate earns less than a court registrar on the same grade level.

The magistrates also decried the non-payment of furniture allowance, which they said is due every four years but was last paid during the administration of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

They further accused the government of failing to pay other outstanding allowances and alleged discrimination in the allocation of official vehicles, claiming that while some magistrates received vehicles, others were left out.

According to the communiqué, members initially demanded that the strike commence within 48 hours after the congress. However, the Chief Judge of the state intervened and advised that any ultimatum should not be less than seven days in line with due process.

The association said the intervention led to a compromise, with members agreeing to issue a seven-day notice before embarking on the strike.

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It stated: “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.

“Following deliberations and engagement with the Chief Judge, it was agreed that due process should be followed and that the notice period should not be less than seven days. Consequently, the strike shall commence on Thursday, July 2, 2026.”

The association urged members to remain calm, united and focused as efforts continue to secure improved welfare conditions.

Among its demands are an immediate review of the salary structure to address disparities between magistrates and court registrars, payment of furniture and other outstanding allowances, as well as equitable distribution of official vehicles.