In a dramatic showdown on Monday, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) forced Lagos Television (LTV), Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio to halt operations, citing unresolved grievances over the exclusion of media workers from the Oracle payroll system and the failure to implement the agreed minimum wage.
The NLC’s intervention came after a tense three-day warning strike by the affected media workers, during which protests reverberated through the premises of the media houses. The workers, led by union leaders, expressed their frustration at the Lagos State Government’s alleged neglect of their welfare.
The Protest That Ignited the Shutdown
Earlier in the day, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chapel Chairman, Leye Ajayi, delivered a rousing address to the protesting workers at the media houses’ headquarters in Agidingbi, Ikeja. Ajayi called on the government to address the workers’ grievances and warned that continued neglect would only deepen the crisis.
“We cannot continue to overlook the plight of these media workers,” Ajayi asserted. “Their exclusion from the Oracle system and the denial of the minimum wage is not just an injustice to them but a threat to fair labor practices in Lagos State.”
No sooner had Ajayi concluded his speech than NLC officials, led by the formidable state chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Sessi, arrived on the scene to enforce the workers’ demands. The NLC delegation wasted no time, ordering the immediate shutdown of operations at LTV, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio, while ejecting any remaining workers from the premises.
NLC’s Stand: A Fight for Equity
Speaking to reporters after the shutdown, Mrs. Sessi underscored the urgency of the workers’ demands. She dismissed any notion of hostility toward the Lagos State Government but insisted that justice for media workers could no longer be delayed.
“This is not about fighting the government,” Sessi stated. “It is about demanding an end to the systemic injustice faced by the staff of these stations. Why should they be excluded from the Oracle payroll system and denied the minimum wage that other civil servants in Lagos State are entitled to? This is unacceptable.”
According to Sessi, the Oracle system—used to streamline payroll processes for Lagos State civil servants—has consistently excluded media workers from receiving their rightful benefits. She further decried the disparity in treatment between media workers and their counterparts in other government agencies, calling it an affront to equity and fairness.
A Long-Standing Issue
The workers’ grievances date back to the implementation of the minimum wage policy in Lagos State. While other civil servants began enjoying the revised wages, staff at LTV, Radio Lagos, and Traffic Radio were allegedly left out due to their non-integration into the Oracle system. This omission has left them unable to access promotions, regular salaries, and other benefits tied to the system.
One of the protesting workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration at the prolonged neglect.
“We have been patient for far too long,” the worker said. “How can we, as media professionals working tirelessly to keep Lagosians informed, be treated like second-class citizens within the same civil service?”
Wider Implications of the Shutdown
The sudden closure of the media stations has left many Lagos residents without access to vital news and public information services typically provided by these outlets. For a city as bustling as Lagos, the disruption of communication channels has raised concerns about the broader impact of labor disputes on essential services.
Observers have also pointed out that the shutdown signals escalating tensions between labor unions and the Lagos State Government. If unresolved, the crisis could spill over into other sectors, particularly as the NLC has hinted at expanding its protests to other state-owned institutions.
Government’s Silence and the Road Ahead
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, insiders suggest that negotiations may be underway to address the situation and prevent further disruptions.
Labor experts have urged the government to act swiftly to resolve the dispute, warning that prolonged inaction could damage its reputation as a progressive employer. Dr. Obafemi Lawal, a labor relations analyst, noted that the government’s approach to this crisis would likely influence its relationship with civil servants in the future.
“The Lagos State Government needs to demonstrate a commitment to fairness and inclusivity,” Lawal said. “Leaving any group of workers out of a system designed to ensure accountability and transparency undermines trust and morale.”
Union Leaders Stand Firm
The NLC has vowed to continue its campaign until the workers’ demands are met. Sessi reiterated that the union’s actions are not meant to disrupt governance but to compel the government to prioritize the welfare of its workers.
“Lagos prides itself as a center of excellence,” Sessi remarked. “But excellence cannot be achieved on the back of exploited workers. We will not back down until these media workers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Public Reactions
The shutdown has sparked mixed reactions among Lagosians. While some have expressed solidarity with the media workers, others are concerned about the implications for public access to information.
