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 strike from November 9 to November 11. This decision comes after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to resolve the dispute over withheld local council funds expired without a resolution. The strike is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, who are facing continued hardship due to the unpaid funds.

The NLC stated that the decision to embark on the industrial action was made at an emergency meeting of its State Executive Council held on October 28, 2026. The Congress expressed its disappointment that efforts to secure a resolution of the dispute had failed to yield the desired results. As a result, the NLC has instructed all affiliate unions to communicate the strike directive to their members in writing and ensure full compliance across their respective workplaces.

The NLC warned that unions or members who deliberately undermine the industrial action could face disciplinary measures in accordance with its established regulations. The Congress 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 NLC stressed that 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 Congress called on its affiliate unions to demonstrate unity and commitment to the struggle, insisting that the labour movement must stand together whenever the rights and interests of any constituent union are threatened.

The strike directive was jointly signed by the State Chairperson, Christopher Arapasopo, and Secretary, Victor Amusan. The NLC stated that the three-day industrial action is intended to press for the protection of workers' rights and welfare. The Congress expressed its commitment to supporting NULGE and other affiliate unions in their quest for a resolution to the dispute.

The dispute over withheld local council funds has been a lingering issue, with the NLC issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to resolve the controversy. The ultimatum expired without a resolution, leading to the decision to embark on the three-day strike. The NLC has urged its affiliate unions to cooperate and ensure a successful industrial action.

The outcome of the three-day strike and the response from the Federal Government and the Osun State Government remain to be seen. The NLC has demonstrated its commitment to supporting its affiliate unions and protecting workers' rights and welfare. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the daily activities of local council workers and the general public in Osun State.

Key points

• The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed its affiliate unions in Osun State to embark on a three-day strike over withheld local council funds.
• The strike is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, who are facing continued hardship due to unpaid funds.
• The NLC has warned that unions or members who undermine the industrial action could face disciplinary measures.