NLC Kano Council Mourns Ugboaja, Condoles Ajaero, Labour Movement

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Nigerian labour movement.
In a condolence message to the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Kano State Council said Comrade Ugboaja’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, considering his vast experience, commitment and contributions to the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the NLC Kano State Council, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, and the Acting Secretary, Comrade Hussaini Buda, described Ugboaja as the administrative and strategic engine of the Congress who played a pivotal role in coordinating affiliate unions, industrial relations, negotiations with government and employers, policy implementation and workers’ mobilisation.
The council noted that throughout his tenure as General Secretary, Ugboaja was actively involved in major labour engagements, including negotiations surrounding the implementation of the ₦30,000 national minimum wage in 2019, campaigns for improved workers’ welfare and the implementation of wage policies, as well as nationwide mobilisation on issues affecting Nigerian workers.
According to the council, Ugboaja successfully combined his legal expertise, trade union activism and national policy advocacy, making him an important bridge between the legal profession and the organised labour movement.
“His contributions to the Nigerian labour movement went beyond his office as General Secretary. He brought to bear his wealth of experience in industrial relations, negotiation, workers’ rights advocacy and policy engagement in advancing the cause of Nigerian workers,” the council said.
The NLC Kano Council said Ugboaja would be remembered for his dedication to the labour movement and his commitment to the pursuit of justice, decent work and improved welfare for workers.
The council extended its heartfelt condolences to Comrade Joe Ajaero, the National Executive Council of the NLC, the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues and the entire Nigerian labour movement.