The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, has appealed to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to urgently intervene in the ongoing indefinite industrial action embarked upon by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Chapter, warning that the strike poses a serious threat to the administration of justice in the state.
In a letter dated 27th July 2026 and signed by the Chairman of the Branch, J. S. Muhammad, Esq., the Association expressed deep concern over the impact of the strike on the justice sector, urging the Governor to take immediate steps to resolve the impasse through constructive dialogue.
According to the branch, law officers occupy a pivotal position in the justice system, handling criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, legal advisory services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), drafting and vetting legal instruments, and representing the state in civil and criminal proceedings.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
27th July, 2026
His Excellency,
Executive Governor of Kwara State,
Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON,
Kwara State Government House,
Ilorin, Kwara State.
Your Excellency,
URGENT APPEAL FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE INDUSTRIAL STRIKE ACTION EMBARKED UPON BY THE LAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (LOAN), KWARA STATE CHAPTER
On behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, I write to respectfully draw Your Excellency’s attention to the ongoing indefinite industrial strike action embarked upon by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Chapter, and to appeal for your urgent intervention and urgent action toward its amicable resolution.
The NBA Ilorin Branch is deeply concerned about the implications of the strike on the administration of justice and governance within Kwara State. Law Officers occupy a strategic position within the justice sector as they are responsible for Criminal prosecutions, Civil Litigation, the provision of legal advice to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the drafting and vetting of legal instruments, and the representation of the State in both civil and criminal proceedings. Their services are indispensable to the effective functioning of Government and the justice delivery system.
The continued absence of Law Officers from their official duties has already begun to occasion significant challenges, including delays in criminal prosecutions, adjournments of pending matters, disruption of legal advisory services to Government institutions, and increased legal and financial exposure to the State. More importantly, the prolonged disruption poses a serious threat to public confidence in the administration of justice and the rule of law.
The Nigerian Bar Association recognizes and respects the constitutional right of workers to seek improved welfare and better conditions of service through lawful means. At the same time,` we believe that the concerns raised by the Law Officers deserve prompt and genuine consideration, particularly given the vital role they play in safeguarding the legal interests of the State and ensuring access to justice for all.
In the light of the foregoing, we respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to graciously:
1. Direct the immediate commencement of meaningful dialogue with the leadership of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter.
2. Facilitate the implementation of all subsisting agreements and address legitimate concerns relating to remuneration, welfare, career progression, and working conditions.
3. Strengthen institutional support and funding for the Ministry of Justice to enhance its operational efficiency and retain experienced legal personnel.
4. Take all necessary and practical steps to ensure the prompt resolution of the dispute in the overriding interest of justice, good governance, and the people of Kwara State.
Your Excellency, the justice system remains one of the critical pillars of democratic governance. Any prolonged disruption within this sector inevitably affects the administration of justice, the protection of fundamental rights, public confidence in Government institutions, and the overall development of our State.
The NBA Ilorin Branch assures Your Excellency of its readiness to support every sincere effort aimed at achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution of the issues in dispute. We equally encourage the leadership of the Law Officers Association to continue to embrace constructive dialogue as the most viable pathway to resolving the impasse.
We trust in Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, justice, and the welfare of public servants, and we respectfully urge that this matter receives the urgent attention it deserves.
Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.
Yours faithfully,
J. S. Muhammad Esq.,
Chairman,
Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch.
CC:
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kwara State.
Kwara State Head of Service, Kwara State.
