Osun State Labour Congress orders three‑day strike over withheld local government funds

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State has instructed its affiliate unions to commence a three‑day solidarity strike beginning Monday, 9 November and ending Wednesday, 11 November. The action targets the ongoing dispute over statutory allocations that the state government has allegedly withheld from local government councils. Workers, especially members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), are expected to halt work across the state during the strike period.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NLC State Executive Council on 28 October 2026. In a joint statement, state chairman Comrade Christopher Arapasopo and secretary Victor Amusan said the strike is intended to protect workers’ rights and welfare and to demonstrate solidarity with NULGE, whose members have faced continued hardship due to the funding impasse.

Background

The conflict centres on statutory allocations earmarked for local government councils in Osun State. NULGE claims the funds are essential for the effective administration of councils and for meeting staff entitlements. The NLC has argued that the issue is not solely NULGE’s concern but a broader labour movement problem that requires collective intervention. Previous attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue have failed, prompting the NLC to adopt industrial action as a last resort. The Congress warned that any union or individual deliberately undermining the strike could face disciplinary measures under its regulations.

Why it matters

The strike puts pressure on both the Osun State Government and the Federal Government to address the allocation dispute, which has been a source of tension for several months. Local government employees risk loss of income and benefits if the funding shortfall persists, while the broader public may experience disruptions in services provided by the councils. The NLC emphasised that the economic security of local government workers cannot be guaranteed without the release of the statutory funds, framing the industrial action as a means to safeguard workers’ welfare and the proper functioning of local administration.

What happens next

The NLC has instructed all affiliate unions to notify their members in writing and to ensure full compliance with the strike directives in their respective workplaces. The Congress expects the three‑day action to increase pressure on authorities to resolve the funding disagreement. No specific timeline for a resolution has been announced, and the outcome will depend on the response of the Osun State Government and any subsequent negotiations with the federal authorities.