NLC Mourns General Secretary, Ugboaja, Describes His Death as Heartbreaking

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja. The labour movement expressed deep sorrow and shock at the passing of Ugboaja in a communique signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero following a National Executive Council meeting in Enugu. The NLC stated that Ugboaja passed away peacefully in his sleep at the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness he had battled with courage and stoicism.

Describing Ugboaja as a true soldier of the working class, the NLC noted that he deflected attention from his personal struggles, focusing instead on the burdens of Nigerian workers. The General Secretary was an erudite scholar, passionate advocate, and cerebral strategist who brought intellect to the trade union movement, rivaling his legal expertise honed at the University of Calabar. The NLC emphasized that Ugboaja shunned life's comforts and privileges to shield the Nigerian worker and oppressed masses.

The National Executive Council resolved that the NLC will give the late General Secretary a fitting farewell. They are currently collaborating closely with the family to ensure he is honored with the dignity and respect he so deserved. Ugboaja's commitment to international working-class solidarity showcased his internationalist convictions.

During his tenure, he was a prominent figure at negotiations and a strong presence on the picket line. He served as a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference in 2005 and the National Conference in 2014, articulating the cause of the downtrodden with clarity and a steady voice.