The Lagos government calls for the suspension of the strike and appeals to broadcast workers.

In order to demand that employees of Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio be integrated into the state’s Oracle system for unified salary payment, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) issued a strike notice that went into effect on Monday, January 13.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, gave the unions assurances that their issues were being taken seriously in a statement released on Saturday. He revealed that union leaders met on January 8 and that the Lagos State Executive Council had been notified of their requests.

In his words;

“A consideration of the request was initiated through a meeting between representatives of the Government, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, and the leadership of the Unions on January 8, 2025.

“The meeting rose with a resolution that the agitation of the Unions would be presented to the Lagos State Executive Council.”

The workers were advised by Ayantayo to reevaluate their plan to down tools.

The commissioner stated ;

“Therefore, the Union members are advised to rethink their plan to proceed on an industrial action for an amicable resolution of the dispute.” 

The West was among the media outlets asked by the unions to report on the impending walkout. They invited all members to join the demonstration and stressed the need of Oracle integration for job security.

At the moment, employees of the three broadcast stations receive their pay from the money the stations make, and they are not included in the Oracle system. Salary payments, however, have been irregular, according to an insider, which has sparked concerns about potential non-payment in the near future.