BCOS unions allege victimisation, unpaid salaries, and welfare crisis after congress cancellation amid security presence and rising labour tension in Ibadan.
Industrial tension is deepening at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) as workers’ unions have raised fresh concerns over alleged victimisation of union leaders, unresolved welfare issues, and salary-related disputes within the organisation.
The development comes on the same day a planned congress of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), BCOS chapter, was abruptly cancelled following the unexpected presence of security operatives at the corporation’s premises in Ibadan.
Workers who had gathered for the congress were left in confusion as the meeting could not proceed, with union leaders later citing security concerns as the reason for suspension.
The congress was expected to address key welfare issues including salary-related concerns, cooperative deductions reportedly running into about N100 million, agric deductions, union-related matters, and the suspension of a union official, Comrade Aliyu Bashiru.
At the venue indicated that armed security personnel were stationed within the BCOS premises before the scheduled meeting began, a situation that triggered uncertainty among staff and union representatives.
Some workers expressed frustration over the cancellation, insisting that the gathering was purely meant for dialogue on welfare matters and should not have been disrupted.
Read more: BCOS RATTAWU congress cancelled over security concerns, workers protest
In response to the growing tension, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS chapel, and RATTAWU BCOS chapter issued a joint statement raising broader concerns over what they described as worsening labour relations and administrative challenges within the corporation.
The statement, issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and signed by NUJ BCOS Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ademola Balogun, and RATTAWU BCOS Chapel Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, called for urgent intervention by the Oyo State Government and relevant labour authorities.
The unions said repeated efforts to resolve disputes internally had not yielded results, citing what they described as continued silence from management over issues raised in earlier communications.
Central to their concerns is the suspension of RATTAWU BCOS Secretary, Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, as well as warning letters issued to some union executives, which they said were linked to their official union duties.
They argued that such actions risk undermining lawful trade union activities and could worsen industrial harmony within the organisation.
The unions further stressed that meaningful dialogue remains the only sustainable path to resolving disputes between workers and management.
Beyond union-related issues, they also raised alarm over alleged delays in salary payments, unresolved deductions, and outstanding allowances affecting staff welfare.
According to them, the financial strain on workers has intensified due to what they described as persistent administrative and welfare challenges.
They called for the immediate withdrawal of disciplinary measures against affected officials, restoration of suspended rights, inclusion of recognised unions in decision-making processes, and improved transparency in administrative matters.
The unions also urged management and stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and cooperation in resolving ongoing disputes.
Meanwhile, management officials had earlier appealed for calm following the aborted congress, stating that the suspension was necessary to prevent escalation and maintain order within the corporation.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no fresh official clarification regarding the status of suspended union official, Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, whose case continues to generate debate among workers.
With tensions still unresolved, attention now shifts to possible intervention by state authorities as workers demand clarity on welfare issues, disciplinary actions, and the future of industrial relations at BCOS.
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