NLC Gives Edo Govt 14 Days To Vacate Secretariat, Return Confiscated Properties
The notice, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, followed the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government to vacate its secretariat in Benin and return all confiscated properties.
The notice, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, followed the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The ultimatum, which elapses on 8 January 2025, demands that the police vacate the premises and refrain from further interference in trade union activities.
The statement accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and the police of orchestrating the invasion of the NLC State Secretariat, stating: “The brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.”
Failure to comply, the NLC warned, “will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defence of workers and trade union rights.”
The Owerri meeting also deliberated on key issues, including worsening socio-economic conditions, cash scarcity, and a controversial tax bill before the National Assembly.
The NLC expressed concerns about the impact of cash shortages on small businesses and informal workers, saying:
“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses,” the statement said.
The NLC also called on the federal government to ensure citizens’ access to cash, stating: “We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate economic growth.”
On the tax bill, the Union criticised the exclusion of organised labour, noting: “The Congress demands that the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.”
The NLC further highlighted Nigeria’s alarming insecurity, revealing: “Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents. 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives while 2,235,954 others were kidnapped within one year.”
The Congress emphasised the need for urgent government action, warning: “This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails.”
The Union vowed to defend workers’ interests while pressing for accountability, equity in taxation, and solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
