NLC Urges Edo Government to Uphold Labour Laws, Recognise Legitimate Union Leadership

Story: written by Zara January 28,2026
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Edo State Government to adhere strictly to Nigeria’s labour laws, particularly in matters concerning the recognised leadership of the union in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Benin City, the Edo State Council of the NLC advised the government to engage only with the legally constituted leadership of the congress. The statement was signed by Prof. Monday Igbafen, Acting Chairman of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State.
Prof. Igbafen urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to avoid yielding to what he described as selfish and covert pressures that could undermine healthy industrial relations between the state government and the authentic leadership of the NLC.
The union further warned members of the public against individuals or groups allegedly parading themselves as acting chairman or leaders of the Edo State Council of the NLC without authorisation. According to the statement, the only legitimate leadership recognised by the congress is the Caretaker Committee headed by Prof. Igbafen, which was duly constituted by the National Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC.
The NLC explained that the clarification became necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of misleading both the public and the Edo State Government regarding the true leadership structure of the congress in the state.
The statement also alleged that the State Administrative Council (SAC) of the NLC in Edo State, previously led by Bernard Egwakhide, had been dissolved by the national leadership of the congress. It claimed that the dissolution, which reportedly took effect from August 13, 2025, followed allegations of unethical conduct, anti-union activities, and serious violations of the NLC constitution and internal regulations