The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Ogun State chapter, has thrown its weight behind the ongoing indefinite strike by public service workers protesting the non-remittance of ₦82 billion in pension deductions spanning 17 years.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Eko John Nicholas, the CDWR described the government’s failure to remit the workers’ pensions as a “grave injustice”, calling on the workers to escalate the strike beyond sit-at-home actions to street protests, rallies, and demonstrations.

“We call on the governor to immediately accede to the demands of the workers so that they can return to work,” the statement read, urging the labour unions to resist intimidation from the state government.

The workers commenced the strike on July 15, 2025, under the leadership of labour unions, protesting deductions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) that the government failed to remit to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). The controversy traces back to 2008, implicating three successive administrations: Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and the current governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Despite the passage of the Ogun State Pension Reform Law in 2008, compliance with the pension law has been symbolic. Union leaders allege that:

  • Gbenga Daniel’s administration left behind 25 months of unremitted deductions.

  • Amosun’s government remitted only nine months’ worth over eight years.

  • Governor Abiodun’s administration, now six years running, has not remitted any contributions.

The CDWR criticized this pattern as a “calculated denial of workers’ rights”, attributing the situation to “anti-poor policies” promoted by the state government under the influence of IMF/World Bank austerity measures.

The group also condemned reported acts of intimidation and harassment of labour leaders, warning the government against any form of high-handedness.

A Broader Critique of Governance

CDWR broadened its criticism to include the federal government, specifically President Bola Tinubu’s administration, for anti-poor policies such as:

  • Fuel subsidy removal

  • Currency devaluation

  • Hikes in electricity tariffs

It also highlighted state-level issues such as underfunded education and healthcare, privatization of public assets, and a lack of housing and industrial projects, painting a picture of systemic exploitation.

Call for National Solidarity

The CDWR urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and civil society organisations to show unwavering solidarity with the striking workers and press the Abiodun-led administration to fulfill its legal and moral obligations.

“We reiterate our call on the striking workers not to be cowed by the antics of the state government but to intensify their resistance through various peaceful mass actions,” the statement concluded.

Editorial Note

Naija Blog will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on government responses, labour actions, and public reactions.