The Federal Government has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to stop interfering in the activities of the Labour Party, citing a contravention of the Trade Unions Act.
The warning came after the NLC refused to recognize the Labour Party’s chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and the NLC’s National Transition Committee issued counter-directives to party members.
Recall that Abure had written to the Ministry on July 10, 2024, seeking clarification on the NLC’s roles.
In a response letter dated July 31, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment referenced Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act, which prohibits trade union dues from being used for political purposes unless specified in the union’s rules.
The Ministry’s letter, signed by the Director/Registrar of Trade Unions Falonipe Amos, emphasized that violating the Trade Unions Act constitutes an offence.
It also clarified the roles of the NLC and TUC in political activities, stating that their funds should not be applied to further political objectives.
“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’s response has put the NLC and TUC on notice, cautioning them against continued interference in the Labour Party’s affairs.
