Activities at local government council secretariats, public schools, primary healthcare centres and other government offices in Osun State were disrupted on Monday as workers observed a sympathy strike over withheld local government funds.
The three-day industrial action was called by the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity with council workers and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the state NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, and Secretary, Victor Amusan, directed council workers and NULGE members to participate in the sympathy action.
During a visit to the Osogbo and Olorunda local government secretariats, workers were seen gathering in groups and holding discussions, while normal administrative activities were disrupted.
Public primary and secondary schools across the state were also shut, with school gates locked and premises deserted during visits to parts of the state capital, Osogbo.
Schools affected included the School of Science, Osogbo Grammar School, St Charles’ Grammar School, St James’ Grammar School, Baptist High School, Christ African School and Laro Grammar School, among others.
Government offices were similarly affected, as the gates of the Osun State Government Secretariat and the State House of Assembly in Osogbo remained locked.
The action comes amid the dispute over the withholding of local government funds, with the NLC expressing solidarity with council workers affected by the situation.
