NLC Gives Edo Govt 14-Day Ultimatum Over Secretariat Takeover

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government to vacate the union’s secretariat in Benin and return all confiscated properties.

The ultimatum, set to expire on January 8, 2025, was announced in a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja after the NEC meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.

The NLC accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State Police of orchestrating an invasion of its state secretariat, describing the act as an attempt to impose illegitimate leadership on workers.

“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,” the NLC said.

The union warned that failure to comply with its demands would compel the Congress to initiate “unprecedented measures” to defend workers’ and trade union rights.

The NEC meeting also deliberated on the worsening socio-economic conditions plaguing Nigerian workers and the general populace, which it attributed to government policies.

The NLC highlighted concerns over cash scarcity, describing it as an exploitative burden on struggling citizens.

“Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions,” the statement read.

The union urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure adequate cash availability to enable small businesses and informal sector transactions, which are critical to economic growth.

The NLC called for the suspension of the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly, citing the exclusion of organized labour from its formulation as “unacceptable and undermining the principles of tax justice.”

“A fair and equitable tax system must prioritize fiscal discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of tax funds to deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry,” the union emphasized.

The Congress warned against politicizing the Tax Bill, adding, “If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu.”

The union also raised alarm over escalating insecurity, referencing reports that Nigerians paid 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. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property,” the NLC said.

As part of its efforts to alleviate transportation costs, the NLC launched its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Services in the Southeast region during the NEC meeting.

The NLC concluded by urging the federal government to prioritize workers’ welfare, security, and economic stability, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue to rebuild trust and deliver meaningful reforms.