NLC Mourns General Secretary Ugboaja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing him as a towering figure whose death has left a “dark cloud” over the labour movement.

Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

The NLC disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held at Hotel Presidential, Enugu, on Thursday, August 27, and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero.

According to the congress, the NEC received the news of Ugboaja’s death from his family and mourned the loss of a leader who remained committed to the interests of Nigerian workers despite his health challenges.

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The NLC described Ugboaja as the “General Secretary of General Secretaries”, saying he combined legal expertise, intellectual depth and strategic thinking in his service to the labour movement.

“Comrade Ugboaja was not merely a General Secretary; he was the quintessential ‘General Secretary of General Secretaries.’ He was no ordinary man!” the congress said.

The NLC said the late labour leader was a strong negotiator and an active presence during industrial actions, adding that he consistently advocated for workers and oppressed people in Nigeria and beyond.

It noted that Ugboaja represented the interests of the working class at major national platforms, including the National Political Reform Conference in 2005 and the National Conference in 2014.

The congress described him as “a brilliant blessing that walked amongst us and a very steady voice.”

According to the NLC, Ugboaja’s commitment extended beyond Nigeria, with his advocacy for international working-class solidarity reflecting his “internationalist conviction.”

The labour body said it was working with Ugboaja’s family to ensure that he receives a befitting farewell.

“The NEC resolves that such a gallant and brilliant leader deserves a fitting rite of passage,” it said, adding that the labour movement would honour his contributions to the struggle for social justice.

While mourning the late general secretary, the NLC said his legacy would continue to inspire its struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.

“This is not a funeral; this is a roll call of the living, and though our General has fallen, his spirit will answer ‘Present!’ in our ongoing struggle for equity and fair play in our workplaces,” the congress said.

“This struggle must continue!”

The NLC extended its condolences to Ugboaja’s immediate family, the entire congress and affiliated unions, urging members to remain committed to the labour struggle.

“The struggle has indeed lost a titan!” the congress said.