NLC Seeks Support of NBA to Tackle Human Rights Violations

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said that it would collaborate with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.

A statement signed by NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah said that the labour movement led by its President,  Joe Ajaero,  paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the NBA yesterday.

He said the NLC delegation met with the newly elected NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and his team to discuss on how the labour and legal sectors can work together to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.

According to Upah, the meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange views and experiences on the importance of entrenching the Rule of Law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.

He said that discussions focused on how the labour and legal sectors can work together to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.

“Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to working alongside the NBA in promoting the rights of workers and all Nigerians. He emphasised the importance of a strong legal presence that protects citizens from abuse, ensures the freedom of association, and upholds democratic norms.

“The NLC president also commended the NBA’s role in defending the integrity of the legal system, while expressing optimism that this collaboration will lead to meaningful change in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape,” Upah said .

In his remarks, NBA President, Osigwe (SAN) highlighted the NBA’s determination to uphold the Rule of Law and strengthen Nigeria’s legal institutions.
He assured the NLC of the NBA’s readiness to partner with the Nigeria Labour Congress in advocating for policies that respect citizens’ rights and promote social justice.

He emphasised the reactivation of the Pro-Bono Department of the NBA to ensure that citizens who are indigent and are persecuted can be offered free legal representation at all times.

The organisations condemned the criminalisation of civil protests and agreed that the road to sustainable progress for Nigeria lies in ensuring that the principles of the rule of law are adhered to at all levels of governance.