By Emmanuel Kwada
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has criticized state governors for neglecting their states and residing permanently in Abuja. He also stated that governors lack the power to ban labour unions, as union activities fall under the exclusive legislative list in the Constitution.
Ajaero made these remarks at a town hall meeting in Lokoja, where he responded to the proscription of labour unions in state-owned institutions by former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. He emphasized that unions are registered nationally and cannot be banned by state governments.
“The Constitution is clear on this matter,” Ajaero said. “Union activities are on the exclusive legislative list, which means that only the federal government has the power to regulate them. No governor can unilaterally ban labour unions in their state.”
It is unacceptable for governors to abandon their states and reside in Abuja
Ajaero also criticized governors for neglecting their states and residing permanently in Abuja. “It is unacceptable for governors to abandon their states and reside in Abuja,” he said. “Governance is about serving the people, not about living in luxury in the federal capital.”
During the visit, the NLC provided 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation challenges for Kogi workers. The union also demanded action on issues such as salary increments, housing, and teacher shortages.
No governor can unilaterally ban labour unions in their state
Ajaero stressed that Kogi is important to the labour movement, as both the governor and deputy governor have union backgrounds. He assured workers that their grievances would be addressed, saying, “We will work with the state government to ensure that the welfare of workers is prioritized.”
The NLC President’s remarks were well-received by workers in Kogi, who have been facing various challenges in recent times. The union’s provision of CNG buses is expected to ease transportation challenges for workers, while the demand for action on salary increments, housing, and teacher shortages is expected to improve the overall welfare of workers in the state.
