Pro-Democracy Group Backs Ogun Workers Strike Over N82bn Pension Deductions

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing strike by Ogun State public workers over the alleged N82 billion in unremitted pension deductions spanning 17 years.

In a statement by its coordinator, Eko John Nicholas, the group described the situation as a “grave injustice” and urged the workers to escalate the strike beyond a sit-at-home action through mass protests and street demonstrations.

The indefinite strike, which began on July 15, was declared by labour unions over the non-remittance of both workers’ and government’s 7.5% contributions under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Despite the passage of the Pension Reform Law in 2008 and its amendment in 2013, unions say compliance has remained largely symbolic.

According to the CDWR, the trend began with former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who reportedly left behind 25 months of unremitted deductions. His successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was said to have remitted just nine months’ worth during his eight years in office. The current governor, Dapo Abiodun, is accused of failing to remit any contributions since taking office six years ago.

Calling the pattern deceitful and a deliberate denial of workers’ rights, CDWR condemned what it described as government intimidation of union leaders and urged the striking workers to resist threats and remain firm in their demands.

“This pension theft is part of a broader failure by successive administrations in Ogun State,” the statement read. It also accused the government of implementing IMF and World Bank-backed austerity policies, underfunding education and health, privatizing public assets, and promoting contracts that benefit only a few cronies.

The group called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society groups to mobilize in solidarity, saying pressure must be mounted on Governor Abiodun to honor his legal and moral obligations.

“We urge all progressive forces to support the striking workers in Ogun and join them in peaceful mass actions until their demands are met,” the statement concluded.