Osun Workers Begin Three-Day Strike Over Withheld LG Funds

Workers in Osun State commenced a three-day sympathy strike on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following a directive by the Nigeria Labour Congress. The industrial action is in response to the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government areas. The strike is expected to end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the state.

The Nigeria Labour Congress had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government over the continued withholding of local government statutory allocations. However, the issues raised in the ultimatum remained unresolved, prompting the decision to embark on the sympathy strike. The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Osun State NLC Chairman and Secretary, Christopher Arapasopo and Victor Amusan, respectively.

The decision to go on strike followed resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council held on October 28, 2026. The NLC directed all its affiliate unions in the state to communicate the strike directive to their members and ensure full compliance across workplaces. The congress urged workers to demonstrate solidarity, insisting that the hardship confronting NULGE members was a collective concern of the labour movement.

The strike comes amid a prolonged dispute between the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress over control of local government areas in the state. The disagreement has persisted since February 2025, with tensions previously leading to violence at several council secretariats. The police confirmed six deaths during the violence, including that of Remi Abbas, the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.

The NLC warned that any union found deliberately undermining the action would face disciplinary measures in line with its provisions. The congress emphasized the need for workers to demonstrate solidarity with NULGE members, who are facing hardship due to the withholding of local government funds. The strike is seen as a show of unity among workers in the state.

The dispute over local government control has been ongoing for several months, with both parties refusing to back down. The Osun State Government and the APC have been at odds over who should control the local government areas, leading to a stalemate in the distribution of funds. The strike is likely to exacerbate the situation, with workers demanding a resolution to the impasse.

The strike has significant implications for workers and residents in Osun State, who are likely to be affected by the industrial action. The NLC has urged workers to remain calm and united in their demands for a resolution to the dispute. The outcome of the strike remains uncertain, with both parties yet to reach a compromise.

Key points

• The strike is in response to the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government areas in Osun State.
• The Nigeria Labour Congress had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government over the continued withholding of local government statutory allocations.
• The dispute over local government control has been ongoing since February 2025, leading to violence and deaths in several council secretariats.