The Federal Government has instructed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to refrain from interfering in internal affairs of the Labour Party. It stated that such actions breach the Trade Unions Act.
This warning followed the NLC’s refusal to acknowledge Barrister Julius Abure as the Labour Party’s chairman, with the NLC’s National Transition Committee providing conflicting directives to party members.
Abure had reached out to the Ministry of Labour and Employment on July 10, 2024, requesting clarification regarding the NLC’s role.
In a reply dated July 31, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment cited Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act, which restricts the use of trade union dues for political purposes unless explicitly allowed by the union’s regulations.
The letter from the Ministry, signed by the Director/Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, stressed that any breach of the Trade Unions Act is considered an offense.
It also delineated the NLC and TUC’s limitations in political activities, emphasizing that their funds should not be used for political aims.
“If any of the funds of a trade union are applied to the furtherance of a political objective in contravention of subsection (1) of this section, the trade union and every official thereof shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
“I wish to urge the leadership of the NLC to be guided by the above provisions of the Trade Unions Act in dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties,” the letter read.
The Ministry urged the NLC leadership to adhere to the Trade Unions Act when engaging with the Labour Party or any other political entities. This response serves as a caution to the NLC and TUC, warning them against further involvement in the Labour Party’s business.