Judicial activities across Kwara State are set to grind to a halt as magistrates under the umbrella of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara State chapter, have declared an indefinite strike beginning Thursday, July 2, 2026, over poor welfare conditions, unpaid allowances and what they described as years of unfair treatment by the state government.
The decision was reached during a crucial congress held on Wednesday, where members unanimously resolved to withdraw their services following mounting frustration over unresolved welfare challenges affecting judicial officers in the state.
In an official communiqué signed by the state chairman of the association, the magistrates accused the government of neglecting their welfare, insisting that repeated appeals and engagements had failed to produce meaningful action.
According to the association, one of its major grievances is the prevailing salary structure, which it described as unjust, humiliating and detrimental to the dignity of judicial officers.
The magistrates lamented that a Grade Level 14 Magistrate currently earns less than a Grade Level 14 Court Registrar, a situation they described as an anomaly that undermines the status and responsibilities of magistrates within the justice system.
They also decried the prolonged non-payment of furniture allowances, noting that the statutory entitlement, payable every four years, was last received during the administration of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The judicial officers further raised concerns over unpaid allowances and what they termed discriminatory allocation of official vehicles, alleging that while some magistrates were provided with vehicles, many others had been completely overlooked.
The communiqué revealed that members initially demanded that the industrial action commence within 48 hours after the congress. However, following intervention by the Chief Judge of Kwara State, the association agreed to extend the notice period to seven days in compliance with due process requirements.
“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.
It added that after consultations with the Chief Judge, a compromise was reached to observe a seven-day ultimatum, inclusive of Saturday and Sunday.
“This strike shall commence on Thursday, the 2nd day of July, 2026,” the association declared.
The magistrates called on members to remain calm, united and strategic as the industrial action approaches, assuring them that the leadership remains committed to pursuing their demands through lawful and coordinated means.
Their demands include an immediate review of the salary structure to eliminate disparities between magistrates and court registrars on the same grade level, payment of furniture allowances last received during the Abdulfatah Ahmed administration, settlement of all outstanding allowances, and equitable distribution of official vehicles among magistrates across the state.
The planned industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt proceedings in magistrates’ courts throughout Kwara State if the government fails to address the grievances before the July 2 deadline, raising fresh concerns over access to justice and the smooth administration of the state’s judicial system.
The development underscores growing discontent within the lower bench, with magistrates insisting that their struggle is not merely about financial benefits but about preserving the dignity, independence and effectiveness of the judiciary in Kwara State.