The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have formed an alliance to strengthen the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights in the country.
Spokesperson of the NLC, who disclosed this in a statement, said the partnership aims to tackle pressing legal issues and empower Nigerians through advocacy and education.
He said the synergy was formed when the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the NBA on Thursday the 12th of September, 2024.
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. Discussions focused on how the labor and legal sectors can work together to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.
Comrade Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to working alongside the NBA in promoting the rights of workers and all Nigerians. He emphasized 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 would lead to a meaningful change in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
In his remarks, NBA President Afam 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 policies that respect citizens’ rights and promote social justice, emphasizing 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.
Both organisations condemned the criminalization 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.
This historic meeting marks a significant step forward in fostering cooperation between the legal and labour sectors as they join forces to make Nigeria a better and more just society.
