Osun workers begin three-day strike over withheld local government funds

Government offices across Osun State were shut on Monday as workers commenced a three-day strike directed by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity with local government employees.

Activities at the Osun State Government Secretariat and the State House of Assembly in Osogbo were disrupted, with gates locked and official operations suspended.

Local government offices in Olorunda and Osogbo were also affected, while pupils in some public schools in Osogbo were asked to return home as teachers joined the industrial action.

Announcing the strike on Sunday, the Osun NLC leadership, led by its chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, and secretary, Victor Amusan, directed all affiliate unions to participate in the three-day sympathy action.

The congress said the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government and the Osun State Government over the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government councils.

Efforts to resolve the dispute through available channels had failed to produce the desired outcome, according to the labour union, which said the concerns raised by local government workers remained unresolved.

The NLC said the action was in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), whose members have been affected by the prolonged dispute over access to council funds.

An emergency meeting of the NLC State Executive Council held on October 28 had earlier approved the industrial action, with affiliate unions urged to ensure full compliance.

The strike is scheduled to end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11.