NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja Dies at 60 After Protracted Illness

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, has died at the age of 60.

Ugboaja, a veteran trade unionist and lawyer, reportedly died in an undisclosed hospital after a protracted illness.

Details surrounding his death remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

His death was confirmed in a letter from his family addressed to members of the National Executive Council of the NLC.

The letter was made public on Thursday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Ugboaja was appointed General Secretary of the NLC in August 2019, becoming the fifth person to occupy the position.

Born on May 15, 1966, the late labour leader obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Calabar in 1987.

According to the NLC’s historical biography, Ugboaja was the first Nigerian lawyer to work full-time for a trade union, combining his legal background with decades of trade union activism.

He became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s labour movement, participating in engagements on workers’ rights, industrial relations and labour policies.

His death comes at a significant period for the NLC, which has remained at the centre of national discussions on workers’ welfare, wages, cost of living and economic policies.

Further details on the circumstances surrounding his death and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the NLC.