The Ogun State chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has expressed strong support for the ongoing indefinite strike by public service workers in the state. The strike stems from the alleged failure of the Ogun State government to remit over ₦82 billion in contributory pension deductions accumulated over a 17-year period.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Eko John Nicholas, the CDWR described the situation as a serious injustice and called on workers to intensify their efforts beyond sit-at-home protests. The group encouraged the use of coordinated mass actions, such as rallies, street demonstrations, and public engagement, to demand accountability.
“We call on the governor to immediately meet the workers’ demands so they can return to work,” the CDWR said.
“We also urge the striking workers not to give in to any form of threat, intimidation, or harassment by the state government.”
A Long-Standing Issue
The indefinite strike, which began on July 15, 2025, was declared by labour unions due to the government’s non-remittance of contributions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). According to the unions, while workers’ deductions of 7.5% have been consistently taken from their salaries since 2008, the government has largely failed to remit its own statutory 7.5% counterpart contributions to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
Successive administrations, including those of Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and the current governor, Dapo Abiodun, have been accused of neglecting their obligations under the CPS.
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Daniel’s administration reportedly left 25 months of deductions unremitted.
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Amosun’s government, during its eight-year tenure, remitted only nine months’ worth.
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Abiodun’s administration, now in its sixth year, is said to have remitted nothing at all.
Although the Ogun State Pension Reform Law was passed in 2008 and amended in 2013 to formally activate the CPS from July 1, 2015, union leaders argue that government compliance has remained largely symbolic.
The CDWR described this pattern as deceptive and a calculated violation of workers’ rights.
A Call to Intensify Action
The CDWR urged workers to escalate their efforts through activities such as daily congress meetings, peaceful rallies, sit-ins, and media engagement, stressing that these would raise public awareness, attract national attention, and put additional pressure on the government.
“These actions will help raise awareness, win public support, and compel the government to act responsibly,” the group noted.
They also condemned reported threats and intimidation against labour leaders and warned the state government to refrain from authoritarian tactics, which, they said, would only worsen tensions.
Broader Structural Concerns
Beyond the pension issue, the CDWR framed the crisis as part of a broader pattern of poor governance and anti-worker policies in Ogun State. The group accused the state of implementing austerity measures promoted by international financial institutions, at the expense of workers and ordinary citizens.
The group pointed to several issues, including:
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Underfunding of education and healthcare
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Privatization of public assets
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Lack of investment in housing and industry
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Inflated contracts and corruption
It also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs as national policies that are worsening the economic struggles of workers and the general public.
Call for National Solidarity
The CDWR concluded by calling on the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society organisations to show solidarity with Ogun State workers and demand that the government fulfils its legal and moral obligations.
“We urge civil society, the NLC, and TUC to stand firmly with Ogun workers and help pressure the Dapo Abiodun administration to immediately resolve this crisis,” the group said.
They encouraged workers to remain resolute, intensify their peaceful resistance, and continue demanding their rights through sustained, non-violent mass action until their demands are fully met.
