Workers across Osun State have begun a three-day sympathy strike following a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over unpaid statutory allocations meant for local government areas.
The industrial action, which started at midnight on Sunday, November 8, is intended to support members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state.
Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, and Secretary, Victor Amusan, announced the decision in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo.
The labour leaders explained that the congress had earlier given the Federal Government and the Osun State Government seven days to address concerns over the continued withholding of local government funds.
However, they said the issues raised in the ultimatum remained unresolved despite efforts to secure a resolution.
The NLC said the decision followed resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of its State Executive Council on October 28, 2026.
Under the directive, all affiliate unions of the congress must observe the three-day industrial action in solidarity with NULGE members.
The strike began at midnight on November 8 and is scheduled to end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11.
Osun NLC Warns Unions Against Defying Strike Directive
The congress instructed all affiliate unions to notify their members in writing and ensure full compliance across their respective workplaces.
It also warned that unions or members who deliberately undermine the directive could face disciplinary action under its established rules.
The labour leadership called on workers to demonstrate unity and solidarity, describing the difficulties facing local government employees as a concern for the entire labour movement.
It maintained that the protest was aimed at defending workers’ rights, welfare, dignity and economic security.
Dispute Over Osun Local Government Funds
The strike comes amid a prolonged political disagreement between the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local government administration.
The dispute has continued since February 2025 and has affected the management of several council areas.
Earlier clashes over control of local government secretariats resulted in deaths. Police confirmed that six people died during the violence, including Remi Abbas, the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.
The NLC’s latest action adds pressure on authorities to address the dispute over statutory allocations and the concerns raised by local government workers.
The congress has maintained that resolving the funding issue is necessary to protect the welfare and financial security of affected employees.