The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered workers across Osun State to embark on a three-day sympathy strike beginning Sunday midnight, November 8, 2026, in protest against the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government areas.
The directive, issued in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), follows the alleged failure of the Federal Government and Osun State Government to address concerns raised by organised labour over the disputed local government funds.
In a statement signed by the Osun NLC Chairman and Secretary, Christopher Arapasopo and Victor Amusan, respectively, the congress said it had exhausted all reasonable avenues after issuing a seven-day ultimatum to both levels of government.
According to the labour leaders, the issues outlined in the ultimatum remain unresolved, prompting the decision to activate the industrial action.
The statement disclosed that the strike was approved at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The NLC consequently directed all affiliate unions in the state to ensure full compliance, ordering workers to withdraw their services from midnight on Sunday, November 8, until midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
It also instructed affiliate unions to immediately communicate the directive to their members in writing and ensure strict compliance across all workplaces.
The congress warned that any union found deliberately undermining or working against the strike directive would face disciplinary action in accordance with its regulations.
Reaffirming its solidarity with local government workers, the NLC maintained that the hardship confronting NULGE members was a collective concern of the entire labour movement.
It stressed that the industrial action was aimed at defending workers’ rights, dignity, welfare and economic security, insisting that organised labour must remain united in the face of challenges affecting its members.
The development comes amid the prolonged political and administrative dispute between the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of local government councils.
The disagreement, which intensified in February 2025, triggered violent confrontations at several local government secretariats as rival factions struggled for control of council administration.
The police reportedly confirmed six deaths during the violence, including Remi Abbas, the then APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government Area.
The planned strike is expected to further heighten tensions surrounding local government administration and the controversy over statutory allocations in Osun State.