The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a cautionary notice to the Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The Ministry has advised NLC and TUC against involvement in the activities of the Labour Party (LP) and other political parties, as this violates the regulations under which the unions were established.
Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, communicated with the Ministry of Labour and Employment on July 10, 2024, seeking clarity on the roles of NLC. In response, the Ministry's Department of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, in a letter dated July 31, elucidated the roles of NLC and TUC in political activities.
NLC had previously made unsuccessful attempts to take control of the Labour Party's structures by trying to gain access to the party's national headquarters in Abuja. Additionally, the NLC National Transition Committee (NTC) has persistently interfered in the activities of the Labour Party, including refusing to acknowledge the Party’s Chairman, Abure, and issuing conflicting directives to the party members.
In a letter signed by the Director/Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, on behalf of the Minister of State Labour and Employment, reference was made to Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act Cap T14 & T15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The section states that trade union funds must not be used for political purposes unless specified in the union's rules. If the funds are applied to advancing political objectives against this provision, both the trade union and its officials will violate the Act.
The Ministry reminded NLC and TUC that the defined political objective includes the payment of any expenses incurred by a candidate or prospective candidate for election to any political office in Nigeria, holding meetings, distributing literature or documents in support of a candidate, and maintaining any person holding a political office in Nigeria. The Ministry stresses that any political meeting or distribution of political literature should primarily aim to further the regulation of workers' employment terms and conditions.
The Ministry, in conclusion, urged the leadership of NLC to adhere to the Trade Unions Act's provisions when dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties.