NLC PAYS TRIBUTE TO UGBOAJA, HAILS HIS DECADES OF SERVICE TO WORKERS

The Nigeria Labour Congress has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing him as a highly accomplished labour leader whose contributions to workers’ rights and the trade union movement will not be forgotten.

Ugboaja died at the age of 60 after a prolonged illness. The NLC formally expressed its grief in a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting held at Hotel Presidential in Enugu on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, said the Congress received news of Ugboaja’s death from his family and was deeply saddened by the loss of a leader who remained committed to the interests of Nigerian workers despite his health challenges.

The NLC described the late General Secretary as the “General Secretary of General Secretaries”, highlighting his legal expertise, intellectual depth, strategic thinking and extensive experience within the labour movement.

Ugboaja was appointed General Secretary of the NLC in August 2019, becoming the fifth person to occupy the position since the establishment of the labour centre in 1978. He succeeded Peter Ozo-Eson.

Born on May 15, 1966, Ugboaja studied Law at the University of Calabar and graduated in 1987. After spending several years in private legal practice, he joined the trade union movement in 1993 and subsequently rose through various positions within organised labour.

Before becoming NLC General Secretary, he served as Principal Assistant General Secretary and Head of Industrial Relations and Organising at the Congress.

During his years as General Secretary, Ugboaja played an important role in negotiations between organised labour, government and employers. His tenure covered major discussions on workers’ wages, minimum wage implementation, welfare and other issues affecting Nigerian workers.

The NLC said his commitment to workers remained evident even while he battled ill health, describing him as a courageous and dedicated servant of the working class.

His death has attracted condolences from labour organisations, government officials and other stakeholders, who have recognised his contribution to Nigeria’s trade union movement.

The passing of Ugboaja represents a major loss to the NLC, particularly given his decades of experience in labour administration, industrial relations and workers’ advocacy.

The Congress said his legacy would remain significant in the history of the Nigerian labour movement, while his colleagues and affiliates continue to mourn a figure who devoted much of his professional life to the advancement of workers’ interests.