Labour suspends bank picketing in Osun after DSS intervention

The Joint Labour Movement in Osun State has announced the suspension of its planned picketing of a commercial bank branches in Osogbo.

The move followed a mediation by the Department of State Services, DSS.

The decision was contained in a statement jointly issued by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Bimbo Fasasi and Chairman of Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Lekan Adediran, after a meeting with bank representatives facilitated by the DSS in Osun State.

The labour movement had earlier directed its members to mobilise for a peaceful industrial action beginning Tuesday, 24 March 2026, in protest over issues relating to local government funds.

According to the statement, “the directive followed resolutions reached at meetings of the State Administrative Council and State Executive Council held on 17 March at the Labour House in Osogbo.”

However, after extensive deliberations during the DSS-mediated engagement, both parties agreed to suspend the planned picketing.

The statement read, “That the planned UBA picketing of Tuesday, 24th March 2026 be suspended.”

It said a joint meeting between the organised labour and the bank’s representatives would be convened.

It noted that both sides had agreed to engage in robust discussions to resolve the dispute over local government funds within one week, from March 23 to 30, 2026.

Labour leaders said the suspension would last for the same period to allow room for dialogue and possible resolution of the issues in contention.

The labour chairpersons also affirmed their commitment to peaceful engagement.

“The struggle continues — peacefully, lawfully, intelligently, and firmly,” the statement added, while urging members to remain resolute and disciplined.

The Joint Labour Movement also reiterated its commitment to defending democratic principles, economic justice and social progress, expressing optimism that the dialogue would yield positive outcomes.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, had on Saturday placed security agencies in the state on alert ahead of a planned protest by labour unions over the ongoing local government funding dispute.

The warning followed a statement issued by the party which called for proactive measures to prevent any disruption of public order in Osogbo.

According to the party in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi on Saturday, the demonstration is being organised by leaders of the Joint Labour Movement, including officials of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.

Labour suspends bank picketing in Osun after DSS intervention