Workers in Osun State have begun a three-day sympathy strike following a directive by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government areas.
The industrial action commenced at midnight on Sunday, November 8, and is expected to end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The strike is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state.
NLC Says Ultimatum Remains Unresolved
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Osun State NLC Chairman and Secretary, Christopher Arapasopo and Victor Amusan, respectively, and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday.
The union said it 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.
However, it said the issues raised in the ultimatum remained unresolved, prompting the decision to embark on the sympathy strike.
The statement said the decision followed resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council held on October 28, 2026.
Unions Warned Against Non-Compliance
The NLC directed all its affiliate unions in the state to communicate the strike directive to their members and ensure full compliance across workplaces.
It warned that any union found deliberately undermining the action would face disciplinary measures in line with its provisions.
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The congress urged workers to demonstrate solidarity, insisting that the hardship confronting NULGE members was a collective concern of the labour movement.
Dispute Over Local Government Control
The strike comes amid a prolonged dispute between the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress over control of local government areas in the state.
The disagreement has persisted since February 2025, with tensions previously leading to violence at several council secretariats.
The police confirmed six deaths during the violence, including that of Remi Abbas, the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.
