Pandemonium erupted on Monday as the Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress stormed Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio, forcibly ejecting workers and shutting down operations.
The dramatic intervention was in response to the Lagos State Government’s refusal to integrate the stations’ staff into the Oracle system and pay the long-overdue minimum wage.
The crackdown followed a fiery three-day warning strike by the stations’ workers, which had seen spirited protests earlier in the day.
No sooner had Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos Chapel Chairman, Leye Ajayi, wrapped up his impassioned address to the aggrieved staff than NLC officials descended on the premises in Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Led by its formidable chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Sessi, the NLC delegation stormed into the buildings, halting broadcasts and ejecting remaining workers.
The move sent a strong message to the government that the era of neglecting these workers is over.
“We are not fighting the Lagos State Government,” Sessi declared, “but we demand an immediate end to the injustice meted out to staff of these stations.”
According to her, staff of the stations must be integrated into the Oracle System.
She emphasised the disparity between the stations’ staff and other civil servants in the state, lamenting their exclusion from benefits enjoyed by mainstream government workers.
Sessi said it is unacceptable that workers in the stations were denied what others in the state service were benefiting from.
In a document issued to members and the state government on Wednesday, the unions confirmed that the strike will start at Lagos Television’s premises and will involve all NUJ and RATTAWU members working across the state-owned media houses.
This action has disrupted broadcasting services in Lagos, significantly impacting the state’s media operations.
According to the document, the strike underscores not only the welfare of workers but also the importance of fair labour practices.
The unions demand immediate action from the state government to address issues that have persisted for months. Media organizations were invited to cover the event and spotlight the plight of their members.
In a letter dated January 9, 2025, jointly signed by NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi and Secretary, Tunde Olalere, the union expressed its full support for the industrial action.
“You will agree with the union that several discussions, congresses, and notices have been given to the state government to address these issues.
“An initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day notice. It is imperative that our members working in state-owned media organizations also enjoy the new minimum wage like other state workers.”
The letter highlighted that revenue generated by these media organizations is no longer sufficient to sustain workers’ salaries and benefits, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
The union added, “The welfare of our members is paramount, and this is why the union supports and pledges solidarity with the strike. The dedication of these workers in promoting government policies and activities deserves to be rewarded by the state.”
Sources revealed that in addition to minimum wage issues, workers are also protesting delayed promotions, inadequate training opportunities, and integration into the Oracle database system—a platform that streamlines employee identification and payroll.
Workers lament that despite following proper protocols to express their concerns, the government has made little progress in addressing their grievances.
The unions noted that the issues facing LTV, Radio Lagos, and Traffic Radio staff have left many workers feeling undervalued.
Challenges include inadequate pay adjustments after promotions and delays in the promotion process.
The NUJ and RATTAWU stressed that only an amicable resolution and approval of the workers’ demands can halt the industrial action. They remain committed to ensuring the survival of state-owned media organizations and the welfare of their members.
The strike is expected to bring state-owned broadcasting services to a halt, amplifying calls for immediate government intervention.
As the industrial action begins, all eyes are on the Lagos State Government to see how it resolves the long-standing grievances of its media workers.
