Court Orders FG to Register New Varsity Workers' Union

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS) as a new workers' union. The judgment was delivered by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki on a case filed by Comrade Niyi Akinnibi, who sought an order to compel the government to register NANTS.

The court found that the refusal of the Registrar of Trade Unions and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to register the union was wrong. The court issued a mandatory order directing the Registrar to register NANTS forthwith and to issue a certificate of registration as required by the Trade Union Act.

Additionally, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from denying the claimants their rights under the Trade Union Act. This ruling is significant for non-academic staff across universities in Nigeria, as it allows them to form a registered union.