Osun workers begin strike over withheld LG funds

The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed workers in Osun State to embark on a three-day sympathy strike beginning at midnight on Sunday to press for the release of statutory allocations due to local government areas in the state.

In a statement signed by the Osun NLC Chairman and Secretary, Christopher Arapasopo and Victor Amusan, respectively, and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, the congress said the industrial action was in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the state.

The NLC leaders said the 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.

They, however, said the issues raised in the ultimatum remained unresolved.

The statement read, “Consequently, having exhausted all reasonable avenues and in accordance with the resolutions reached at the emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held on Wednesday, 28th October, 2026, all affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, are hereby directed to proceed on the three-day sympathy strike in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State Council.

“The strike shall commence at midnight on Sunday, 8th November, 2026, last for three (3) days, and conclude at midnight on Wednesday, 11th November, 2026.

“Accordingly, all affiliate unions are directed to immediately communicate this directive in writing to their members and ensure total and full compliance across all workplaces.”

The congress warned that any union found deliberately working against or undermining the directive would face disciplinary measures in accordance with its provisions.

It added, “All unions are enjoined to demonstrate maximum solidarity, unity and commitment to the collective struggle for the protection of workers’ rights and welfare. We must emphasise that an injury to one is an injury to all.

“The continued hardship confronting our comrades in NULGE is a collective concern of the entire labour movement, and our response must reflect our shared commitment to workers’ rights, dignity, welfare and economic security.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress had been locked in a bitter feud over control of local government areas in the state since February 2025.

During the violence that engulfed several council secretariats in the struggle for control of local government administration, the police confirmed six deaths, including that of the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abbas.