Kano law officers suspend industrial action after negotiations with govt
Law Officers Association in Kano Suspends Strike After Agreement with State Government
The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) in Kano State has suspended its strike following a recent agreement with the state government. The industrial action, initiated on March 11, was called off on March 13 after a series of negotiations between association leaders and government representatives.
Acting Head of Service of Kano State, Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, led the discussions, which also included key officials such as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, A.K. Maude, and Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
LOAN Chairman Abdullahi Aminu Shams addressed reporters after the meeting, emphasizing that the decision to suspend the strike came after thorough consultations. “LOAN under my chairmanship has agreed to suspend its strike, and we have given the Kano State Government 21 days to begin implementing the report of the committee set up to review our demands and challenges,” Shams stated.
He noted that the strike’s suspension aims to provide the government with the necessary time to begin addressing the concerns raised by LOAN members. The association expects the implementation of the committee’s recommendations within the stipulated 21-day timeframe.
Commissioner Waiya confirmed the strike’s suspension, indicating that an understanding was reached during the discussions. “The announcement of the suspension was made by the Chairman of LOAN and the leadership of the Trade Union Congress immediately after hours of discussions and agreement reached between the two parties,” he said.
Waiya expressed gratitude towards the leadership of LOAN, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and other stakeholders for their roles in facilitating the resolution of the dispute. “We thank them for their patriotism, maturity, and sense of responsibility in resolving the issue,” he added.
This strike was prompted by concerns over unresolved welfare and working conditions faced by lawyers within the Kano State Ministry of Justice. Complaints included difficult working conditions and the non-receipt of certain statutory allowances and entitlements mandated by law.
