Daud Olatunji
The Organized Labour in Ogun State has declared that there will be no retreat from the ongoing indefinite strike until Governor Dapo Abiodun personally addresses their demands on the embattled Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and other workers’ welfare issues.
Labour leaders under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), at a press briefing on Tuesday, vowed not to attend any negotiation meeting with state officials, insisting that only the governor himself would be entertained in any dialogue.
The strike, which began days ago, followed years of what the unions described as systemic neglect and non-remittance of workers’ pension deductions totaling over N82 billion since the scheme’s introduction in 2008.
Speaking at the briefing, the NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade Hameed-Benco Ademola, described the pension reform law as a failed policy that has brought hardship to workers and retirees alike. He said the law must either be repealed or radically reviewed based on previous labour committee recommendations.
“We are not on this strike to cripple the economy of Ogun State. We are only demanding our rights,” Ademola said. “The Contributory Pension Scheme has failed from day one. The government has defaulted for 17 years. They deducted from our salaries but never remitted it. This betrayal is why we insist on meeting only the governor — not a commissioner, not the head of service.”
He added that organised labour had exhausted all channels of communication with the government — including several letters and interfaces — without any resolution.
Ademola further stated that pensioners across the state had declared full support for the strike, warning that today’s civil servants would become tomorrow’s retirees and victims of the broken system.
Corroborating the NLC chairman, TUC Chairman Akeem Lasisi accused successive administrations of abandoning the pension scheme after initial commitments.
“The scheme failed from inception. Governor Gbenga Daniel owed months before leaving. Governor Ibikunle Amosun paid for only nine months before defaulting. Governor Dapo Abiodun hasn’t paid a single kobo into the scheme,” Lasisi said.
He added, “The law says deductions from workers’ salaries must be remitted within seven working days. But for over 14 years, Ogun State government has not remitted these funds into individual Retirement Savings Accounts. This is gross injustice.”
Also speaking, the JNC Chairman, Comrade Isa Olude, expressed frustration over the government’s silence and indifference, noting that every attempt to engage through proper channels had been ignored.
“We’ve tried letters, meetings, appeals. They simply don’t want to listen. Now we have no choice but to take this stand. The strike will continue until the government does what is right,” Olude said.
The labour unions reiterated their core demands: an immediate halt to the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, a review of existing pension laws in line with labour recommendations, and full remittance of all outstanding deductions.
They also demanded that any future pension framework must reflect both compassion and commitment to workers’ welfare.
“Our fight is not against governance; it’s against injustice. Let the government show genuine commitment, and this strike will end. But until then, we are not backing down,” Ademola concluded.
The strike has grounded major public services across the state as schools, hospitals, and government offices remain shut, with workers staying away in compliance with the labour directive.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
