Pro-Democracy Group Backs Ogun Workers’ Indefinite Strike Over ₦82 Billion Unremitted Pensions, Urges Mass Protests

A leading pro-democracy organisation, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), has thrown its full weight behind the indefinite strike action launched by public sector workers in Ogun State over the government’s alleged failure to remit ₦82 billion in contributory pension deductions over the past 17 years.

In a statement released by CDWR coordinator, Eko John Nicholas, the group decried the situation as a “grave injustice”, accusing successive state administrations of systemic neglect and deliberate denial of workers’ rights.

“This is not just administrative failure; it’s a calculated betrayal of public trust. We call on workers to escalate the strike beyond a sit-at-home protest into full-blown mass action rallies, street protests, sit-ins, and press campaigns,” said Nicholas.

The indefinite strike, which began on July 15, 2025, was initiated by state labour unions in protest against the non-remittance of funds deducted from workers’ salaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) a mandatory program under the 2008 Ogun State Pension Reform Law, amended in 2013.

Under the CPS, 7.5% of workers’ monthly earnings are deducted as pension contributions, to be matched by an equivalent 7.5% from the government.

While the workers’ contributions were consistently withheld from salaries, successive governments reportedly failed to remit their counterpart contributions to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

CDWR said this track record reflects chronic dishonesty and anti-worker policies, urging Governor Abiodun to honour his obligations immediately and engage sincerely with labour representatives.

The group also condemned reported cases of harassment and intimidation of union leaders by state officials, warning the government against such “high-handed tactics.”

“Threats and intimidation will not stop the truth. Workers have every right to demand what is legally and morally theirs,” Nicholas asserted.

Beyond the pension crisis, CDWR painted a broader picture of systemic rot, blaming successive administrations for underfunding key public sectors, privatising essential services, and implementing austerity policies aligned with IMF/World Bank prescriptions that have deepened the hardship of ordinary citizens.

The group also extended its criticism to the federal government, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of implementing anti-poor economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and hiking electricity tariffs, which have compounded the plight of Nigerian workers and families.

CDWR called on the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society organisations to demonstrate “unflinching solidarity” with Ogun workers and pressure the state government to meet their demands without delay.

“We urge striking workers to sustain peaceful mass actions, hold congresses, engage the media, and organise public demonstrations until justice is served,” the group declared.