NLC Gives Edo Govt 14 Days to Vacate Secretariat

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day notice to the Edo state government, demanding that it vacate the NLC secretariat in Benin. The ultimatum, which expires on January 8, 2025, was announced in a statement signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, and Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, following an NEC meeting in Owerri, Imo state on Thursday.

According to the statement, the police are required to vacate the secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the NLC, and refrain from further interference in the union’s activities. The NLC also condemned the actions of both the police and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, accusing them of orchestrating an unlawful invasion of the NLC state secretariat.

The union described the police’s actions as a “brazen act of impunity,” which included ransacking the premises and unlawfully removing items in an attempt to impose an “illegitimate leadership” on workers.

“If the demands are not met, the Congress will be forced to take unprecedented measures in defence of workers’ and trade union rights,” the NLC stated.

The NEC meeting in Owerri was not only focused on the Edo state issue but also included deliberations on critical matters affecting Nigerian workers. Also, the union announced plans to roll out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus services in the Southeast region as part of its broader efforts to address issues impacting both workers and the general public.