BROADCAST WORKERS SHUT DOWN LAGOS TV, RADIO STATIONS OVER WAGE CRISIS

At the break of dawn, workers, organized under the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), converged on the Agidingbi premises wielding placards emblazoned with stark messages such as “Give us Oracle and take the revenue generated,” and “Implement Minimum Wage Now!”

The root of the unrest stems from the state government’s alleged failure to align their wages with the N85,000 minimum wage implemented for other state workers since late 2024. Leye Ajayi, Chairman of the Lagos State NUJ Chapel, condemned the delays, warning that the protest could escalate to an indefinite strike if their demands are not met promptly.

“This is a warning strike,” Ajayi declared. “We demand immediate integration into the Oracle system and the full implementation of the minimum wage. Enough of the bureaucracy and empty promises!”

The protest, coordinated with support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), effectively disrupted normal operations at the broadcast stations. Funmi Sessi, Chairman of the NLC Lagos Chapter, emphasized the peaceful nature of their demonstration but underscored their resolve to persist until their grievances are addressed.

“We urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and ensure the management complies with the law,” Sessi stated. “These workers have been neglected for too long despite their essential roles in public communication.”

In response to the escalating tensions, the Lagos State Government, through Honourable Commissioner Afolabi Ayantayo, acknowledged the unions’ demands but urged reconsideration of the planned strike action. The government assured that steps were underway to present the unions’ grievances to the Lagos State Executive Council for deliberation.

As the standoff continues, the fate of operations at Lagos’ prominent broadcast stations hangs in the balance, pending resolution between the aggrieved workers and state authorities.