A massive strike led by organised labour has brought government operations across Ogun State to a standstill. Most ministries, courts, and public schools remained closed on Wednesday as workers complied with the indefinite industrial action.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alongside the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), had directed all civil servants to stop work until the state government addresses their demands. The labour unions are protesting unresolved issues such as unpaid pension deductions, lack of implementation of the national minimum wage, non-payment of eight years’ leave allowances, and delayed staff promotions.
In Abeokuta, the state capital, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent observed that entrances to several public institutions were locked, with little to no activity. Visits to the Ogun State House of Assembly, High Court, and Magistrates’ Court revealed deserted premises guarded only by security staff.
Public schools were also affected, with total compliance reported at Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School, and Baptist Boys High School. A teacher at Asero High explained that students had resumed after the national public holiday to continue their exams but were turned away due to the strike. The teacher urged the government to act swiftly, warning that the indefinite nature of the strike could harm students’ academic progress.
The strike action followed resolutions reached by labour unions during a mass congress held at the Arcade Ground in the Oke-Mosan area of the capital. The unions have insisted on negotiating directly with Governor Dapo Abiodun and rejected any other government representative in the dialogue.
The shutdown signals growing tensions between the workforce and the Ogun State government, with no immediate resolution in sight.
