Ogun Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Pension Reform Failures

Public sector workers in Ogun State have downed tools indefinitely in protest against what they termed 17 years of “systemic betrayal” under the state’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing widespread non-compliance with the Ogun State Pension Reform Law (OGSPRL) of 2008, amended in 2013.

The strike, declared at an emergency Statewide Congress held on Monday, July 14, was officially announced through a joint statement issued by the Organised Labour in the state.

The unions condemned the government’s failure to remit both employer and employee pension contributions to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) as stipulated by law, accusing successive administrations of shortchanging workers.

“The Contributory Pension Scheme has become a drain on workers’ finances and, worse still, a wage suppression strategy used by successive state governments,” the statement read.

‎According to the unions, out of the expected 204 months of joint pension remittances since the law’s enactment in 2008, only 34 months of employer contributions have been remitted — a staggering shortfall. While workers’ deductions from salaries have continued consistently for over 14 years, these funds have allegedly not reached their designated PFAs, leaving workers with no access to investment returns or retirement security.

The labour groups say the situation reflects a gross violation of the OGSPRL, which legally requires both parties to contribute monthly toward the retirement savings of public servants.

Adding to their frustration, the workers pointed to the silence that followed the 2022 Adekunle Hassan Pension Reform Committee, whose findings and recommendations have never been made public.

‎“Multiple letters and appeals have been sent to the state government none has received a response,” the workers noted.

With the amended pension law expected to take full effect from July 1, 2025, labour leaders say workers are demanding a total cancellation of the “shortchanging” scheme, citing broken trust and unsustainable deductions.

‎The strike affects all civil and public servants under the state and local governments. Full enforcement began at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, halting government activities statewide.