By joshua NLC, TUC Applauds Resolution Of Prolonged Labour Dispute In Edo
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Organized Labour in Edo State has applauded the resolution of the prolonged dispute over the recognition of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-constituted Caretaker Committee as the legitimate representative of the Congress in the State.
The Organized Labour in the State described the development as a new dawn in labour relations, particularly in the industrial relationship between the State Government and the two major trade union centres in the country – the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In a joint press statement issued in Benin City by the State Councils of the NLC and TUC on Sunday, 25th October, 2026, the Organized Labour disclosed its firm resolve to deepen cooperation and collaboration in order to strengthen the collective bargaining power of trade unions in the State. It further resolved to prioritize workers’ welfare and the well-being of the citizenry in its engagement with the State Government.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Edo NLC, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, and the Chairman of the State TUC, Comrade Joseph Wasah, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to work assiduously together to end the reign of internal wrangling within the State’s Organized Labour.
The Nigerian Post recalled that, agreement was reached at a closed-door meeting in Abuja convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; and former Edo State Governor and ex-NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole were present.
The statement read in part: “In strict adherence to our hallowed principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, we, the Organized Labour, have resolved to defend the cause of Organized Labour, its leaders and members, against all forms of anti-labour practices in the State, including interference, intimidation, harassment, oppression and repression.”
The Organized Labour assured the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of healthy and responsible trade unionism and pledged its readiness to partner with the State Government to enhance workers’ welfare and support its worker-friendly policies.
It also commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo; the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; and the former Governor of Edo State and former NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, for their pivotal roles in brokering a lasting solution to the labour dispute.
The joint press statement was preceded by a visit by the leadership of the Organized Labour in the State, led by the Chairmen of the NLC and TUC, to the Chairman of the State Council of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Williams Uwumarogie, who is currently recuperating in hospital from injuries sustained following an attack linked to the recently suspended strike action by NUEE in the State.