The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has strongly refuted allegations made by the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff of Osun State, asserting that the group lacks legitimacy and recognition as a trade union in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its President, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, NULGE maintained that the breakaway body has no legal standing in Osun State and dismissed claims that the union’s leadership is run as a family affair. Ogungbangbe reaffirmed that NULGE operates democratically, with decisions made in the best interests of its members.
Addressing concerns about the ongoing strike, NULGE justified its directive for local government workers to stay home, stating that the move was made in consultation with the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“The Association of Concerned Local Government Staff is not known to us and is not registered with any trade union in Nigeria. Our leadership is transparently elected in accordance with our constitution and democratic principles,” Ogungbangbe said.
He emphasized that the service withdrawal was aimed at protecting workers and was not politically motivated. NULGE also dismissed accusations that the strike was endangering vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, clarifying that all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) remain operational.
The union condemned calls for workers to resume duties without addressing the grievances that led to the strike. “Our stance is rooted in legal and constitutional provisions, not politics. Meaningful dialogue is the only way forward,” the statement added.
Furthermore, NULGE reaffirmed its backing for its leadership and called on security agencies to remove individuals currently occupying local government secretariats. The union vowed to challenge any legal action brought against its executives and reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, a faction within Osun NULGE urged local government workers to return to work, describing the prolonged strike as irresponsible and harmful to the public. The faction, operating under the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff, argued that workers should not continue to be denied financial and career benefits due to the service withdrawal.
State Coordinator Adedayo Adekunle and Secretary Akin Adepoju accused NULGE President Ogungbangbe of nepotism and violating the union’s constitution, particularly regarding the ongoing industrial action. However, NULGE dismissed these claims, standing firm on its decision and insisting that the strike enjoys national support.
