In a dramatic turn of events, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) staged a protest at the Lagos State Government House in Alausa. The purpose of their demonstration was to express their strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing ban on the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Prominent labour leaders, including Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of TUC; Ismail Bello, the Deputy General-Secretary of NLC; Festus Osifo, President of TUC/Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); and Gbenga Ekundayo, the Lagos State Chairman of TUC, spearheaded the protest.
Nuhu Toro emphasized that their purpose in visiting the Lagos government house was to demand the immediate lifting of the ban on RTEAN and NURTW activities by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, among other pressing concerns.
During the demonstration, Mr. Olasunkanmi Ojo from the Ministry of Transportation graciously received the protest letter on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu. He assured the labour leaders that the Governor would thoroughly consider their demands.
In support of their cause, Toro highlighted the significance of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, asserting their fundamental nature. He pointed out that the Nigerian constitution recognizes the right of workers to join a union, while the Labour Act upholds their rights to form and be part of a union. Moreover, the International Labour Organization’s conventions 67 and 98 guarantee the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, confirming that RTEAN and NURTW are indeed trade unions.
Toro went on to stress that labor-related matters fall within the purview of the Federal Government, as labor is on the exclusive list. Consequently, no governor possesses the authority to proscribe a union. If any concerns arise regarding a union, the appropriate course of action is to seek legal resolution through the court system, which will then render a verdict.
The essence of their visit to the Governor, Toro explained, was to urge him to allow these unions to operate freely and harmoniously. He emphasized the need for the unions to function according to their designated roles and responsibilities. While acknowledging the existence of potential areas of discomfort, Toro reminded all parties that established rules and procedures exist to address such matters without infringing upon the rights of workers to operate their unions.
The protest carried a powerful message, conveying the labor leaders’ firm stance on preserving the fundamental rights of workers in Nigeria. As they await Governor Sanwo-Olu’s response, the labour movement hopes for a positive outcome that will allow RTEAN and NURTW to resume their vital operations without any hindrance.
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