By Abasi Ita
Magistrates in Cross River State have resumed their suspended industrial action following the state government’s failure to address their outstanding demands.
The Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria said the action resumed after the government failed to engage the association before midnight on Sunday, February 8, to avert the strike. The association had earlier issued a strike notice to the government on February 2.
In a letter signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the association, Godwin Onah and Solomon Abuo, the magistrates said the decision to reactivate the strike was taken at their general meeting held on January 30, 2026. They accused the government of reneging on earlier commitments that led to the suspension of the previous industrial action.
According to the letter, magistrates in the state had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike until the governor intervened personally during a meeting in November 2024 and promised to address their demands. The association said it suspended the strike at the time to give the government the opportunity to act.
While acknowledging the implementation of promotions and regularisation with financial benefits across all cadres, the magistrates expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to address other critical demands, noting that the neglect had continued to cause hardship and dissatisfaction among members.
The association stated that the indefinite strike officially resumed on Monday, February 9, 2026, without further notice, urging the government to act promptly to resolve the issues.
Among the magistrates’ demands are promotions for members who have remained on the same grade level since 2015, an increase in monthly imprest, rehabilitation of magistrate courts across the state and provision of official vehicles. They also demanded the payment of all outstanding arrears.
The magistrates decried the current ₦15,000 monthly imprest, noting that their counterparts in neighbouring states receive between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000.
Meanwhile, the state government has opened talks with the association in a bid to resolve the impasse. The MAN State Secretary, Solomon Abuo, confirmed that the leadership met with officials led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Attorney General of the state, Ededem Ani.
Abuo said the association is awaiting the government’s response, which will determine whether the strike will continue. “We have met with the government and they asked for time to deliberate. We are waiting for their response, and it will determine our next line of action,” he said.