The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has urged the newly-elected President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero, to lead affiliate unions rightly.
Ngige said this on Friday in Abuja in a congratulatory message to the NLC on a successful 13th Quadrennial National Delegate Conference and Election of New Executives.
He said this in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun.
According to Ngige, “I particularly congratulate your new leadership headed by Joe Ajaero, the new President, who by trade union democracy and solidarity mantra, will steer the affairs of NLC forward in the years to come, supported by the new body of executives.
“Recalling your objectives and missions, I wish you all the best as you take up your new leadership positions in the NLC and may your tenure be favourable to your constituents and the nation at large.
“Always lead your members on the truthful path and proper reportage during turbulent industrial relations periods.
“The immense responsibilities and obligations that rest on Trade Union leaderships are aptly put in the quote by Samuel Gompers that, ‘the trade union movement represents the organised economic power of the workers’.
“It is in reality, the most potent and the most direct social insurance the workers can establish, adding that this also indicates the trust reposed in the organised labour,” he said.
Ngige also congratulated the NLC for a job well done on the peaceful and seamless Quadrennial National Delegate Conference that was held from February 7 to 8.
The Minister noted with pleasure the serene atmosphere that pervaded the venue of the conference, as well as the hitch-free election, which produced the president and other executive members of the Congress.
Ngige, therefore, charged Ajaero to give the right advice to his trade union affiliates even if unpalatable at the given time.
He said this would go a long way in easing the burden of his leadership and paving the way for better understanding and progress.