NLC Orders Osun Workers to Begin Three-Day Strike Over Withheld LG Funds

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Osun State Council, has directed its affiliate unions to begin a three-day sympathy strike from November 9 to 11. This decision comes after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to resolve the controversy over the alleged withholding of the state’s councils’ funds expired without a resolution. The strike is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.

The NLC stated that the decision to embark on the industrial action became necessary after its efforts to secure a resolution of the dispute failed to yield the desired results. Council workers, particularly members of NULGE, have been in continued hardship due to the lingering dispute. The Congress said it intends to press for the protection of workers’ rights and welfare through this action.

The directive was reached at an emergency meeting of the NLC’s State Executive Council held on October 28, 2026. All affiliate unions have been instructed to immediately communicate the strike directive to their members in writing and ensure full compliance across their respective workplaces. The NLC also warned that unions or members who deliberately undermine the industrial action could face disciplinary measures.

The NLC emphasized that the continued difficulties confronting local council employees should not be treated as an isolated concern of NULGE but as a collective challenge requiring the intervention of the entire labour movement. The welfare and economic security of local council workers cannot be guaranteed without resolving the dispute over the statutory allocations meant for the councils.

The strike is a solidarity action with NULGE, which has been affected by the withholding of funds to local councils. The NLC called on its affiliate unions to demonstrate unity and commitment to the struggle. The labour movement must stand together whenever the rights and interests of any constituent union are threatened, the NLC said.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has previously been involved in disputes with the government over workers’ rights and welfare. Recently, the NLC rejected a N40,000 wage adjustment for public workers. The Congress is pushing for better working conditions and welfare for its members. The strike is expected to affect various sectors in Osun State.

The three-day strike is set to begin on November 9 and end on November 11. The NLC has urged all affiliate unions to comply with the directive and ensure that their members participate in the industrial action. The outcome of the strike and its impact on the state will be closely monitored.

Key points

• The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed its affiliate unions in Osun State to embark on a three-day sympathy strike over the withholding of local government funds.
• The strike, which begins on November 9, is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.
• The NLC warned that unions or members who undermine the industrial action could face disciplinary measures.