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Organised Labour in Edo State, said it has welcomed the resolution of the protracted dispute over the recognition of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-constituted Caretaker Committee as the legitimate representative of the Congress in the state, describing the development as a new dawn for the labour movement.
The resolution is expected to usher in a new era of industrial harmony and strengthen relations between the Edo State Government and the two major labour centres in the country, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In a joint press statement issued in Benin City on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the state councils of the NLC and TUC reaffirmed their commitment to unity, cooperation and collaboration in advancing the interests of workers across Edo State.
The unions pledged to strengthen their collective bargaining power, prioritise workers’ welfare and promote the well-being of citizens through constructive engagement with the state government.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, and the Chairman of the Edo State TUC, Comrade Joseph Wasah, stressed the need to put an end to internal disagreements that have undermined the unity and effectiveness of the labour movement in the state.
The labour leaders reiterated their determination to work together in the collective interest of workers, emphasising that unity remains indispensable to the protection of workers’ rights and the advancement of the labour movement.
The statement read in part: “In strict adherence to our hallowed principle that an injury to one is an injury to all, we, the Organised Labour, have resolved to defend the cause of Organised Labour, its leaders and members, against all forms of anti-labour practices in the State, including interference, intimidation, harassment, oppression and repression.”
Organised Labour also assured the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of its commitment to responsible and constructive trade unionism, pledging to partner with his administration in promoting workers’ welfare and supporting policies that advance the interests of the workforce.
The unions further expressed appreciation to key stakeholders whose interventions contributed to resolving the dispute.
Those commended included Governor Okpebholo; the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; and the former Edo State Governor and former NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
The labour leaders acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the individuals in facilitating a lasting resolution to the crisis, expressing optimism that the development would strengthen industrial peace and foster a more united labour movement in the state.
Meanwhile, the joint statement was preceded by a solidarity visit by the leadership of Organised Labour in Edo 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.
The statement further said that Uwumarogie is currently recuperating in hospital from injuries sustained in an attack reportedly linked to the recently suspended NUEE strike action in the state.
