NLC general secretary dies at 60

Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has passed away at the age of 60 after battling a prolonged illness. The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, informed members of the Congress National Executive Council during their meeting in Enugu about the tragic news. Ugboaja, a seasoned trade unionist and lawyer, had been serving as NLC General Secretary since August 2019, succeeding Peter Ozo-Eson.

His responsibilities included coordinating the administrative and strategic operations of the labour centre, interacting with affiliate unions, managing industrial relations, negotiating with government and employers, implementing policies, and mobilising nationwide efforts. Ugboaja's tenure coincided with significant labor conflicts with successive governments over wages, workers' welfare, and economic policies.

One of his early major achievements was negotiating the implementation of the N30,000 national minimum wage in 2019. He also played a crucial role in translating NLC decisions into nationwide mobilisation, including signing a directive in April 2026 urging workers to participate in May Day street rallies. Born on May 15, 1966, Ugboaja studied Law at the University of Calabar and began his trade union career in 1993, becoming the first Nigerian lawyer to work full-time for a trade union.

He served as General Secretary of the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees from 2000 to 2005, and later as Coordinator, Advocacy and Mobilisation at the Alliance for Credible Elections from 2006 to 2009. His death marks a significant loss for Nigeria's labour movement, which continues to engage with the Federal Government and state governments over the implementation of the minimum wage, workers' welfare, and the economic impact of ongoing reforms.

Further statements on his death and funeral arrangements are expected. Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, covered his death, highlighting her experience in covering Nigeria's education sector and related areas.