The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos chapter has shut down Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos, and Lagos Traffic Radio over the nonpayment of the N85,000 minimum wage approved by the Lagos State government.
Aggrieved workers, under the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, coordinated the protest on Monday, January 13, 2025. They blocked entrances and exits at the Agidingbi complex of the affected stations, carrying placards with messages like, “Pay us Minimum Wage” and “Oracle is the answer, it’s all we need.”
The protest follows three weeks of notice given to the management after earlier attempts at dialogue failed.
Speaking to reporters, the Lagos NLC Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, explained, “We started peacefully, and we are going to end it peacefully. The workers are here to show their displeasure against the injustice they face. These workers give their best but are shortchanged by not receiving the minimum wage approved by law.”
She added, “The Lagos State Government commenced the implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage in November, but these workers have not been paid the arrears or the 13th-month benefits. In this hardship, it is unfair and unacceptable.”
The workers accused management of failing to act despite repeated negotiations and ultimatums, including a 21-day notice. “After 14 days and 7 days of notices, the management still didn’t resolve the issue. Now they’re asking us to back down, but we won’t until our demands are met,” Sessi emphasized.
The protesters vowed to sustain their strike action until the government and management address their grievances, describing the delay in payment as a violation of their rights.
The shutdown has disrupted the operations of the three stations, with workers resolute in their call for justice and fair treatment.
