NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja Dies at 60

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has lost its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, a veteran trade unionist and lawyer who served as the union’s chief administrative officer since 2019.

Ugboaja’s death was disclosed in a letter from his family addressed to members of the NLC National Executive Council, NEC. The letter was subsequently made public by NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

The late labour leader was the fifth General Secretary in the history of the Nigeria Labour Congress. He was appointed to the position in August 2019 after years of involvement in the trade union movement.

Born on May 15, 1966, Ugboaja studied law at the University of Calabar and obtained his law degree in 1987. His legal background became a notable part of his career in organised labour.

According to the NLC’s historical biography, Ugboaja was the first Nigerian lawyer to work full-time for a trade union. His career therefore placed him at the intersection of legal practice and workers’ advocacy.

As General Secretary, he worked alongside the NLC leadership on issues affecting Nigerian workers and organised labour, including industrial relations and workers’ rights.

His death comes at a significant time for the Nigerian labour movement, which has remained deeply involved in national debates over workers’ welfare, wages and economic policies.

The NLC is expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding his death and arrangements for his burial as members and labour organisations mourn the veteran unionist.