Workers across Ogun State have vowed to continue their indefinite strike, despite multiple meetings with Governor Dapo Abiodun aimed at resolving the crisis.

The strike, led by the Organised Labour, began on Tuesday, with workers demanding an end to the state’s pension reform law and a resolution of long-standing issues such as unpaid entitlements and poor worker welfare.

At the heart of the protest is the failure of successive Ogun governments over the past 17 years to remit N82 billion in contributory pension funds. The labour unions say enough is enough.

The strike has crippled government operations across the state. Public schools, hospitals, courts, and secretariats remain shut, leaving civil services at a standstill.

In an effort to find a resolution, Governor Abiodun met with labour leaders, promising to begin payment under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for retiring workers from July 2, 2025. He also proposed a 10-year payment plan spanning from 2025 to 2035, covering both his term and that of his successors.

But the labour unions rejected this offer, describing it as insufficient and evasive.

In a strongly worded letter jointly signed by the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and 13 other affiliated unions, workers made it clear they are not satisfied with the governor’s promises.

Their demands go beyond the CPS. They also want:

Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage

Payment of eight years’ leave allowance arrears

Promotion of staff for the years 2023 and 2024

Full pension adjustments in line with new wage policies

After a 7-hour emergency meeting held on Friday, July 18, the unions declared that the strike would continue until all demands are met.

“We are displeased with the governor’s stance, especially on the pension issue. Until we see real action, the strike continues,” the statement read.

As tension rises, residents across the state are bearing the brunt of the shutdown, with schools empty, hospital services stalled, and civil processes on hold.

The ball is now in the government’s court. Will Governor Abiodun take further steps to break the deadlock — or will Ogun’s shutdown stretch on?