TUC's Osifo Challenges NLC's Ajaero on Negotiation Authority

Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), publicly disagreed with Joe Ajaero, his counterpart at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), regarding the authority to negotiate salaries and allowances for Nigerian workers. Osifo insisted that the TUC must be involved in such negotiations, stating that the NLC cannot negotiate on behalf of the TUC without its participation or consultation.

He described the recent agreement approved by President Bola Tinubu as an aberration. During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Osifo criticized the current leadership of the NLC, expressing concern over the quality of its leaders compared to past figures like Adams Oshiomole and Ayuba Wabba.

He challenged Ajaero to provide evidence from International Labour Organisation (ILO) regulations that would support the NLC's claim to negotiate without TUC involvement. Osifo emphasized the need for both unions to collaborate in negotiations, highlighting the importance of updated knowledge in industrial relations.