Public offices across Ogun State were shut down on Wednesday following the indefinite strike declared by organised labour unions protesting the state government’s handling of workers’ welfare.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the strike, which began earlier in the week, resulted in the closure of virtually all ministries, agencies, schools, and courts within the state capital, Abeokuta.
A visit by NAN correspondents to key locations including the Ogun State House of Assembly, Magistrate and High Courts, and several secondary schools such as Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School, and Baptist Boys High School, revealed locked gates, deserted premises, and absent staff.
The strike was called by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Joint Negotiating Council, citing a number of unresolved issues with the state government. These include non-remittance of pension deductions, non-payment of leave allowances dating back eight years, delayed worker promotions, and the incomplete implementation of the national minimum wage.
The unions issued a directive on Monday instructing all civil servants to stay away from work until further notice, demanding that the government resolve the long-standing issues. Their decision was the outcome of multiple congresses held at the Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
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At Asero High School, a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that students who had resumed for ongoing examinations after the Tuesday public holiday were sent back home due to the strike action.
“Our students returned today to continue their exams, but we had no choice but to send them back. We hope the government responds quickly before this affects the academic calendar even further,” the teacher said.
NAN observed that the gates of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the state judiciary complexes were shut, with only security guards seen around the premises.
Organised labour leaders have insisted that only a direct meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun would be accepted, rejecting discussions with any intermediary officials.
The unions are particularly aggrieved about the unresolved issues surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme, which they argue continues to shortchange workers nearing retirement.
This latest strike adds to the growing list of labour unrest across Nigerian states, as workers continue to demand improved working conditions and accountability in the use of public funds earmarked for wages and pensions.
Despite calls for dialogue, the Ogun State Government has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the strike action. Meanwhile, workers and students across the state remain in limbo as the shutdown continues.
NAN
