The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, has directed its affiliate unions to embark on a three-day strike from November 9 to 11 over the dispute surrounding statutory allocations of local government councils. The decision was made after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government expired without resolving the controversy. The NLC said the strike is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to press for the protection of workers' rights and welfare.
The NLC stated that the decision to embark on the industrial action was reached at an emergency meeting of its State Executive Council held on October 28, 2026. All affiliate unions have been instructed to communicate the strike directive to their members in writing and ensure full compliance across their workplaces. The Congress warned that unions or members who undermine the industrial action could face disciplinary measures.
The NLC argued that the welfare and economic security of local government workers cannot be guaranteed without resolving the dispute over statutory allocations meant for the councils. The labour centre 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 of its constituent unions are threatened.
The planned action is a demonstration of workers' solidarity, with the NLC declaring that an injury to one member of the labour movement amounts to an injury to all. The development is expected to intensify pressure on both the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to address the disagreement over local government finances.
The dispute over local government allocations has remained a major source of tension between the state government and local government workers, with NULGE demanding access to funds necessary for the effective administration of the councils and the payment of workers' entitlements. The NLC urged all affiliate unions to treat the directive with utmost seriousness, describing collective action as necessary to defend workers' dignity, welfare, and economic interests.
The strike directive was jointly signed by the State Chairperson, Christopher Arapasopo, and Secretary, Victor Amusan. The NLC maintained that the continued difficulties confronting local government 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 Osun State NLC's decision to embark on a three-day strike has significant implications for local government workers in the state. Key points include:
Key points
- The strike is in response to the withholding of local government allocations by the Federal Government and the Osun State Government.
- The NLC is demanding the protection of workers' rights and welfare, particularly for members of NULGE.
- The strike is expected to intensify pressure on both governments to address the disagreement over local government finances.
