Edo-labour crisis: FG brokers peace between NLC, Okpebholo

The Federal Government has brokered a peace agreement between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Edo State Government, ending a prolonged dispute over the recognition of the Congress’s caretaker committee in the state and paving the way for the restoration of normal industrial relations.

Under the agreement reached at a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at his residence on Friday, October 23, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo agreed to recognise and work with the NLC caretaker committee as the legitimate representative of the Congress in the state.

The meeting was attended by Governor Okpebholo, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.

According to the NLC, the governor also agreed to ensure that check-off dues are remitted to the Congress through the appropriate channels, while the NLC state secretariat, which had remained locked amid the dispute, is to be reopened immediately.

The agreement further provides for the immediate resumption of the normal statutory relationship between the state government and the Congress.

As part of the peace initiative, the governor requested Ajaero to lead the caretaker committee on a courtesy visit to him in Benin City.

ALSO READ: 2027: Hamzat’s manifesto to focus on continuity, inclusive growth — Campaign council

For its part, the NLC said the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), an affiliate of the Congress, would restore electricity supply to Edo State as soon as practicable.

The agreement represents a significant breakthrough in the dispute, which had strained relations between the state government and organised labour and prompted the Congress to lodge a complaint against the government with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) over alleged anti-labour practices.

However, the peace deal came amid renewed tension following the reported arrest of NUEE members, including the union’s Edo State chairman, Comrade William Uwumarogie, during a night operation at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) head office on Thursday, October 22.

In a separate statement, the NLC confirmed the release of Uwumarogie and other members but alleged that the union chairman had been hospitalised for injuries sustained during what it described as an abduction and brutalisation by military personnel and suspected thugs.

The Congress alleged that the incident occurred while the workers were mounting guard at the BEDC office in connection with NUEE’s industrial action over their working conditions and terms of employment.

It accused the Edo State Government of using intimidation and force against workers engaged in legitimate trade union activities, describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of hostility towards organised labour.

The state government had yet to respond to the specific allegations contained in the NLC statement as of the time of filing this report.

The Congress also alleged that the state government had continued to occupy its Edo State secretariat illegally, despite concerns it said had been raised by the ILO.

According to the NLC, the latest incident was particularly troubling because it occurred around the same time representatives of the Edo State Government were participating in negotiations with the Federal Government and organised labour over outstanding industrial relations issues.

The Congress said the government’s representatives had requested more time to resolve the disputes through negotiations, even as the reported arrests were taking place in Benin City.

Describing the development as contradictory to the spirit of dialogue, the NLC called on the Federal Government to take note of the incident and urged the military hierarchy to investigate the alleged involvement of its personnel.

It also demanded an apology over the alleged violence, an end to the use of force in industrial relations disputes, and adequate medical care for injured workers at the state’s expense.

The NLC further called for an end to the alleged diversion of check-off dues belonging to workers and their unions.

It was not immediately clear whether these additional demands, particularly those relating to the alleged assault on NUEE members and responsibility for their medical expenses, were addressed during the peace meeting.

The Congress said the governor’s agreement to recognise its caretaker committee, reopen its secretariat and restore normal relations with the union would provide an opportunity to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue.

The NLC had accused the Edo State Government of interfering in its internal affairs, intimidating labour leaders and taking actions that undermined workers’ rights. The dispute over the caretaker committee had also disrupted relations between the government and the Congress at the state level.