Ogun Workers Declare Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Pensions, Minimum Wage Dispute
In a major escalation of tensions between workers and the Ogun State Government, organised labour in Ogun State has embarked on an indefinite strike, citing the non-remittance of pension deductions, failure to implement the national minimum wage, and broader issues around the state’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ogun State chapter, Mr. Demola Hameed-Benco, following a resolution at a statewide congress of civil and public servants held in Abeokuta.
“All members are hereby directed to withdraw their services with immediate effect until further notice,” the NLC said in a statement issued on Monday.
The organised labour’s action is grounded in long-standing grievances over what they describe as a dysfunctional implementation of the Ogun State Pension Reform Law (OGSPRL) of 2008, amended in 2013 to support the CPS framework. Despite its legislative backing, workers claim the scheme has been rendered ineffective due to persistent defaults by the government.
Key Grievances Behind the Industrial Action
The NLC listed the following as the core issues prompting the strike:
- Non-remittance of deducted pension contributions by the state government
- Non-implementation of the nationally approved minimum wage
- Alleged breaches of the 2008/2013 Pension Law governing the CPS
- Continued lack of dialogue or engagement with labour representatives on welfare matters
The union accused the state government of consistently sidestepping responsibilities that affect the livelihoods of thousands of civil servants and pensioners.
Warning to Defaulters, Call for Dialogue
In a strongly worded warning, the NLC said any worker who fails to comply with the strike directive does so “at their own risk”, stating that the union will not be held accountable for the consequences of such actions.
The statement urged the state government to initiate dialogue immediately, warning that the strike would remain open-ended unless the issues raised are meaningfully addressed.
“A worker united can never be defeated. Solidarity forever,” the union affirmed, invoking a rallying cry for collective action.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Labour Tensions Amid Fiscal Strain
This latest strike in Ogun comes against the backdrop of wider labour unrest across Nigeria, as workers in several states continue to decry poor implementation of labour laws, rising inflation, and the widening gap between cost of living and take-home pay.
Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s most industrialised subnational economies, risks significant disruption across its ministries, education sector, and health services if the standoff is not swiftly resolved.
The indefinite nature of the strike could also undermine investor confidence, especially at a time when the state is looking to position itself as a hub for manufacturing and agro-processing in the Southwest.
Bottom Line
The ball is now firmly in the court of the Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government. As pressure mounts, the administration will need to choose between prolonged service disruption or swift negotiations that could restore trust in government-labour relations.
This is not just a wage dispute — it’s a test of political will, administrative accountability, and the future of pension security in Ogun State.
