Ogun NLC Justifies Indefinite Strike Over N82 Billion Pension Arrears

The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has explained why the Organised Labour embarked on an indefinite strike action, citing the State’s outstanding debt of about N82 billion in Contributory Pension Arrears.

According to the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, the strike was necessitated by the Government’s failure to remit the deducted pension funds to the Pension Scheme Administrator (PSA) despite repeated entreaties.

Ademola-Benco disclosed that former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun had partially paid the pension arrears, but the current administration under Prince Dapo Abiodun has not made any payments in the past six years, leaving a staggering 184 months of outstanding payments.

The NLC boss lamented that the Government’s inaction has forced workers to retire without receiving their pensions, stressing that the Organised Labour had explored all avenues to resolve the issue before resorting to the strike.

The strike, he said, is aimed at drawing the Government’s attention to the plight of workers and retirees, and to compel the Government to address the pension arrears and other outstanding issues, including promotion letters, leave bonuses, and consequential adjustments to the Minimum Wage.

Ademola-Benco expressed optimism that the Governor would listen to the workers’ demands and work towards resolving the issues, noting that the NLC is willing to engage in dialogue to find a solution.

The strike has brought to the fore the long-standing issue of pension arrears in Ogun State, and the NLC’s determination to fight for the rights of workers and retirees.