By Chinedu Echianu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja as a major loss to the Nigerian and global labour movement.
The NLC made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which held in Enugu on August 27.
According to the communiqué signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, following a protracted illness which he reportedly endured with courage and stoicism.
The Congress described the late General Secretary as an “erudite scholar, passionate advocate and cerebral strategist,” who brought his legal expertise and intellectual depth to the trade union movement.
It said Ugboaja dedicated his career to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the oppressed, both nationally and internationally, while sacrificing personal comfort in the service of the working class.
The NLC noted that the late labour leader was a strong negotiator and a committed presence on the picket line, adding that he played prominent roles in national affairs, including as a delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference.
The Congress described him as a steady voice for the downtrodden and said his death had left the labour movement bereaved of a “titan.”
The NEC said the NLC leadership was working closely with Ugboaja’s family to ensure that he receives a befitting farewell in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for social justice, workers’ rights and equity.
It urged members of the labour movement to remain steadfast, stressing that the struggle for fair play and improved conditions for workers must continue.
Meanwhile, the management and staff of NILDS Democracy Radio 104.9 FM Abuja have expressed condolences to the NLC and Ugboaja’s family over his death.
In a condolence letter to the NLC President dated August 28, the Acting General Manager of NILDS Democracy Radio, Benjamin Ubiri, said the station received the news of Ugboaja’s death with sadness.
Ubiri described the late General Secretary’s passing as a loss to the labour movement and to those who worked with him in advancing the interests and welfare of Nigerian workers.
He said Ugboaja devoted much of his career to promoting workers’ rights, decent working conditions and social protection, leaving behind a legacy of trade union activism and persistent advocacy for a fairer and more socially just society.
NILDS Democracy Radio extended its sympathy to the leadership and members of the NLC, as well as Ugboaja’s family, friends and colleagues.
The station prayed for strength for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the late labour leader.
