By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The long-running dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Edo State Government over the non-recognition of NLC’s caretaker committee in Edo State has been brought to an end.
At a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at his residence on Friday, 23 October 2026, between the Edo State Government represented by the Governor and the NLC represented by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, which had in attendance Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Governor accepted to recognise and work with the NLC caretaker committee in Edo State as the lawful representative of NLC, as well as ensure that check-off dues are remitted through appropriate channels to the NLC.
As part of the peace initiative, the Edo State Governor requested the Congress President to lead the caretaker committee to pay him a courtesy visit in Benin City.
The Congress Secretariat in Edo State, which has been under lock and key by some people who presented themselves as acting for and on behalf of the Governor, even as the Governor denied knowledge or acquiescence of their actions, is to re-open immediately.
The regular or normal statutory relationship between the state government and NLC is to resume with immediate effect.
On NLC’s part, NUEE is to restore power to Edo State as soon as practicable.
It will be recalled that the prolonged anti-labour actions of the government, which constituted interference, intimidation and bullying, compelled NLC to lodge a complaint against the Edo State Government at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), for which Nigeria was indicted.
