Abeokuta, July 18, 2025 — The industrial action declared by the Ogun State Organised Labour has entered its fifth day, as efforts to resolve the lingering dispute with the state government hit a deadlock following a high-level meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The workers, who commenced the strike at the beginning of the week, are protesting over several unresolved welfare issues, including the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), unpaid arrears, and delayed promotions.
In a letter submitted to the Governor on Friday, 18th July 2025, through the Office of the Head of Service, the labour unions reaffirmed their decision to sustain the strike action. The letter was a follow-up to an emergency meeting held by labour leaders to review the outcome of the Thursday, 17th July parley with the state government, which was chaired by Governor Abiodun himself.
Despite marathon deliberations lasting from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the State Organised Labour expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to present concrete solutions, especially regarding the contentious Contributory Pension Scheme.
Other unresolved issues listed in the letter include:
- The 2024 new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments;
- Eight years of unpaid leave allowances;
- Pension adjustments due to retired workers; and
- Delayed promotions for 2023 and 2024.
Labour leaders, in their communique, stated that the Council-in-Session was “displeased with the resolve of the State Government,” particularly on the pension issue. Consequently, the unions insisted that their earlier declaration of a trade dispute—first communicated in a letter dated Monday, 14th July 2025—remains valid and in force.
“In effect, the initial position of the Congress subsists, and the declared trade dispute as contained in the State Organised Labour letter of Monday, 14th July 2025 stands,” the letter reiterated.
The strike has disrupted operations across key government institutions in Ogun State, grounding activities in ministries, schools, and hospitals.
There is growing public concern over the potential escalation of the crisis, even as calls mount for the government to urgently return to the negotiation table with tangible commitments that could lead to a resolution.
As of press time, the Ogun State Government has not issued a fresh statement in response to the latest labour position.
