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…As Aladetan emerges new chairman
By Bimbola Oyesola
Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to prioritise workers’ welfare in Lagos State, particularly those in the private and informal sectors. This is even as Abiodun Aladetan has emerged the new elected Chairman of the Lagos State Council.
Aladetan, a member of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), an affiliate of TUC was elected alongside seven other executive committee members at the keenly contested election held on Thursday at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba in Lagos State.
In his acceptance speech, Aladetan declared that his administration would take a different approach by paying greater attention to areas where workers are often neglected and exploited.
“We have a lot of challenges presently in the world of work,” he said. “The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is changing everything, but unfortunately, workers’ rights are being trampled upon, especially in the private sector. Too many workers are treated unfairly, and that must stop.”
He stressed that labour unions must not be seen only as protectors of public service workers. “Most of our affiliates are not even in the public sector; they are in the private sector. This administration will focus squarely on them, as well as those in the informal economy, to safeguard the rights of Nigerian workers.”
Beyond workers’ rights, Aladetan outlined bold initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of members. He announced plans to pursue a mass housing scheme for workers, describing it as a “mega project” that would transform members’ welfare.
“Presently, we operate from rented apartments, but it is a goal that we must achieve to have our own secretariat,” he said. “We also have a committee working on agricultural empowerment, so members can achieve self-sufficiency even after retirement.”
The TUC Lagos boss also gave assurances to retirees. “Even our pensioners deserve dignity,” he noted. “We are already in discussions to secure free medical care and free transportation for them. We will intensify engagement with government to expand those benefits.”
Aladetan further dismissed any suggestion of factionalism within the Lagos TUC, insisting that the elections were credible and in full compliance with national guidelines.
“As far as Lagos State is concerned, there is only one TUC,” he declared. “The national secretariat released the delegates’ list, nominations closed properly, and the elections we held followed due process. Security agencies were aware and monitoring.”
He also alleged that some unions attempted to manipulate the process in favour of preferred candidates, but said the will of members prevailed. “What we have seen here today is the triumph of truth over falsehood,” Aladetan told delegates to loud applause.
The new executive team includes Chinatu Iregbeyen of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) as vice-chairman, and Hannah Omeje of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as secretary.
Others are Veronica Egbukichi from the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Samsondeen Ajala of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) as treasurer, Salau Oladele from the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) as financial secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan from the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) as public relations officer, and Martins Adesanoye from the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (CCESSA) as auditor.
With his victory, Aladetan now shoulders the responsibility of steering the Lagos State TUC at a time when Nigerian workers face rising inflation, job insecurity, and rapid technological disruptions. Many will be watching closely to see if his promises of a worker-centred leadership will translate into real change.
