A statewide strike declared by organised labour has crippled government operations in Ogun State, as major public offices, schools, and courts were shut on Wednesday in compliance with the indefinite industrial action.
The strike, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), entered its second day with near-total compliance observed across the state capital, Abeokuta.
PLATFORM TIMES which monitored the situation observed that several government facilities, including ministries, courts, and schools, had their gates under lock and key, with workers nowhere in sight.
The labour unions had on Monday directed all civil servants in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely over unresolved issues, including non-remittance of pension deductions, failure to implement the national minimum wage, non-payment of eight years’ leave allowances, and the state government’s reluctance to promote workers.
At major public schools such as Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School, and Baptist Boys High School, teaching activities were completely halted. Classrooms remained empty, and students who had resumed to continue their examinations were turned back.
A teacher at Asero High School, who preferred anonymity, expressed concern over the timing of the strike, especially as it disrupted ongoing examinations.
“Our students resumed today after the Sallah break, hoping to continue their exams. Unfortunately, we had to send them back home,” the teacher said.
“We are pleading with the state government to resolve this matter urgently to avoid jeopardising the academic calendar.”
The ripple effect of the strike was also felt at the Ogun State House of Assembly, where legislative activities were suspended as the complex remained shut.
The gates to magistrates and high courts were also locked, with only security guards on duty.
The strike action followed a series of joint congresses held at the popular Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where labour leaders reached a unified resolution to down tools.
The unions have vowed not to call off the strike until Governor Dapo Abiodun personally meets with them to address their demands, insisting that no proxy or delegated government official would be accepted in the negotiations.
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