The Nigeria Labour Congress has been thrown into mourning following the death of its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Ugboaja’s death was communicated to members of the NLC National Executive Council in a letter issued by his family, according to reports.
The letter was subsequently circulated by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who informed members of the development.
Ugboaja, a lawyer and veteran labour activist, became the NLC General Secretary in August 2019 and was the fifth person to occupy the position.
Born on May 15, 1966, the late labour leader studied law at the University of Calabar and graduated in 1987.
He became known for combining his legal background with trade union activism and dedicated much of his career to organised labour.
According to the NLC’s historical account, Ugboaja was the first Nigerian lawyer to serve full-time as an employee of a trade union.
His death marks a major loss to the labour movement, where he had played a prominent role in union administration and workers’ advocacy over the years.