After over a week of industrial action, the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its allied unions have announced the suspension of their strike following the signing of a Memorandum of Action (MoA) with the state government.
In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday, said the decision to suspend the strike was taken to allow the government time to implement its commitments as outlined in the MoA.
The strike, which commenced on Monday, July 14, had grounded several government operations across the state.
Labour leaders cited the intervention of prominent traditional rulers, national labour leaders, and respected union veterans as critical in breaking the deadlock between the unions and the government.
Their “wise counsels, passionate mediation, and tireless efforts,” the statement said, created a pathway for meaningful dialogue.
“The interventions of our revered Paramount Rulers, National Leaderships of our various Unions, and esteemed Labour Veterans both at home and abroad played pivotal roles in shaping the course of this struggle,” the statement read in part.
Organised labour also pointed to unfavourable security reports as a reason for shelving the strike, warning that workers’ safety must take precedence over prolonged protests.
“Security reports are not favourable for us to call for any further gathering. Our safety is paramount and has to be pursued,” the labour leaders stated.
While declaring a temporary suspension of the strike, the union warned that the move does not mark the end of the struggle, describing the agreement as a test of the government’s sincerity.
“Labour resolved to suspend the strike. The agreement is taken as a demonstration of commitment by the State government. We are poised to also give close monitoring of their pledges,” the statement said.
The unions called on all workers to remain vigilant, united, and prepared to resume action if the government fails to meet its obligations.
In a show of solidarity, the labour leadership assured workers across both state and local government services that no one would be victimised for participating in the strike.
“Please be assured that no one in either the Civil/Public Service or the Local Government Service will be victimised for their participation in the struggle,” it added.
The union expressed deep appreciation to Ogun State workers for their “doggedness, unwavering solidarity, and perseverance,” describing their unity as both “inspiring and impactful.”
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