Strike: Ogun TUC Chairman, Lasisi, Gives Fresh Updates
The Ogun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, has given the fresh insights to the ongoing strike by the workers on the payroll of both the State and Local Government in the state.
According to the labour leader, the union understand the frustration of the aggrieved workers hence the reason for the detailed information about the position of the Labour leadership in their demands.
Lasisi, who gave the update in a release sighted by NEWSREPORTER, appealed to workers to remain united in supporting their leaders in the ongoing struggle.
The TUC Chairman explained that the planned protest across the 20 local government in the state by some workers will be counterproductive in the face of the efforts made so far by the union leaders.
He added that while the leadership of the workers at all levels remained focused on their positions, efforts are ongoing to meet with relevant Stakeholders including the traditional rulers to compel the state government to meet their demands.
The statement reads;
"Distinguished Ogun state workers, we want to express our gratitude and support you gave to the leadership in ensuring financial security after retirement in our dear state.
"The leadership has been inundated with several messages and online feedback data specifying Yes/No to the implementation of CPS.
"There are also reports of planned protests across the 20 local governments against the policy starting from Mon., 21st July, 2025.
"We understand your frustration stems from the news caption *'Labour set to suspend strike as Governor Abiodun reaches agreement on pension scheme and workers welfare'*
"Permit me to urge you to shelve any negative ideas or embark on any action that may jeopardize our genuine demand from the government. We are in the office because of you and we will not do anything to jeopardize your interest either now or in the future.
"The leadership has received over 30,000 messages (and still counting up to the time of writing this piece) warning us against accepting the implementation of the scheme.
"Uneasy lies the head, nobody is going against your interest, we are only trying to manage the situation on the ground as we understand your concern to meet your mandate.
"Since the dispute began at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 15th July, various meetings have been held. We were invited to a meeting on Tuesday, 15th July, but due to a communication gap, the information did not get to us. My own set was malfunctioning, and all messages failed to reach me.
"At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 16th July, we received another invitation to meet with the government of Ogun State on the way forward.
"We honoured the invitation because even if you go to war, you will still end up at a round table conference.
"The leadership, together with the Chairmen and Secretaries of all affiliated unions, totalling 26 officers, met the government with the SSG leading the government team. You will recall that the Labour said we wanted to meet His Excellency, we were not referring to the physical presence of His Excellency, but the mandate of His Excellency, because everything lies on his table, and if the talks started with him and no conclusion was reached, there would be nobody to resolve the dispute.
"During the meeting, we conveyed the workers' anxiety and frustration regarding the government's silence on the CPS. We made it clear that our intent for the strike was not to embarrass the government of Ogun State but to call their attention to listen to us. We thereby presented our demand as outlined during the Workers' Parliament.
"The leader of the government team, (SSG) apologized for the government's failure to carry the leadership and the workforce along on the issue of CPS
"The SSG said the government would commence full implementation of the CPS from 2nd July, 2025 with a 10-year payment plan structured as follows:
i) from 2nd July, 2025 to 2nd July, 2030 under the first phase this year and
ii) from 2nd July, 2013 to 1st July, 2030 under the second phase next year.
The successor would manage payment for the remaining 7 years.
"He confirmed that all consolidated salaries would revert to CPS and there would be no gratuity and pension scheme any longer.
"Regarding the New Minimum Wage of #77,000, the labour was tasked with preparing a template for the wage to be submitted to government.
"He emphasized that part of the legacy they wanted to leave behind is to be law-abiding as the government was ready to tackle the issue of CPS once as further postponement is dangerous
"The government would achieve the goal by remitting deductions monthly from July 2025 and passing an appropriate law to back up the decision. They would also commence immediate enrollment and registration of all public servants under the scheme.
"The government was unable to convince us to suspend the strike because our demands were not met. The government failed to make a concrete commitment to our demands.
"As a result, the labour leadership, with 24 other officers comprising the Chairman and Secretaries of affiliate unions, met His Excellency on Thursday, 17th July 2025.
"His Excellency also reiterated that the scheme would commence on 1st July, 2025, and confirmed the payment plan outlined in the meeting we held with the government team led by SSG on Wednesday 16th July, 2025
"He further stated that those promoted in 2024 would now enjoy the financial benefit of the promotion in December 2025 instead of March 2026.
"The government would also look into the concept of basic salary by making necessary adjustments, and the eight-year Leave Allowance owed will be paid in tranches.
"On Friday, July 18, 2025, a meeting was held with the leadership and all the chairpersons and secretaries of the affiliates to review the offers from the State Government.
"The Organized Labour expressed dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, which lacks the necessary legal guidelines.
"We resolved to seek the support of paramount rulers to help us appeal to the government, which is why the strike continues.
"Our position is clear: We demand the suspension of the scheme's implementation, as it has faced challenges from the very beginning. Alternatively, we propose postponing the implementation to a later date when appropriate guidelines are in place.
"It is important to note that the 2013 Pension Amendment Law set the commencement date for the scheme to July 1, 2025. We urge the government to amend this law to delay implementation until all required commissions and guidelines are established.
"The Organized Labour will convene with community leaders to formulate a position and present it to the government.
We believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Solidarity!
Comrade Akeem Lasisi
Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Ogun State Council
July 20, 2025
