By Tejiri Ebikeme
The National Treasurer of NUPENG Comrade Williams Akporeha has described the inaugural congress of United Labour Congress of Nigeria ULC, and the emergence of its national leaders under Comrade Joe Ajaero as a major positive step for modern trade unionism in Nigeria.
Comrade Akporeha made this remark while addressing trade union leaders in Delta State during an annual general/end of year meeting held in Warri recently.
“Permit me to use this opportunity on behalf of trade unions in Delta to heartily congratulate the National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, his vice, Comrade Achese Igwe as well as other national leaders and affiliate trade unions for a successful inaugural delegate’s conference of the United Labour Congress,” he said.
According to Comrade Akporeha, “The formation of the United Labour Congress is a significant development in the history of industrial relations in Nigeria” adding that “for the first time, Nigerian workers are being offered an opportunity for a flexible structure in labour movement with one united federation devoid of undue stratification”.
The NUPENG Chieftain noted further that, “the need for the formation of a unified federation of trade unions that will truly stand to defend and cater for the interest and welfare of the Nigerian worker was really long overdue. The effort and courage of the leaders for this historic inauguration is therefore commendable”.
Comrade Akporeha also used the occasion to give words of encouragement to the national leaders of United Labour Congress of Nigeria and the unions that has so far affiliated. “I am really happy and excited about this development and the acceptability that it received at the inaugural conference alone where over 27 trade unions got affiliated. It is to me, a clear endorsement of the federation with the emergence of a leadership that is trusted and time tested”.
The Labour Leader expressed optimism that with the huge success recorded at the maiden national congress, state congresses are sure to follow suit in no distance future. “With what happened at the inaugural conference, the United Labour Congress of Nigeria has come to stay. I therefore urge all trade unions in Delta State to keep faith while the national leaders are doing everything necessary to ensure that state congresses are held and inaugurated as soon as possible.
