The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has expelled 11 officers and members while suspending 14 others over alleged disobedience to resolutions and decisions of its National Executive Council (NEC), deepening ongoing internal disciplinary actions within the labour movement.
The decisions were reached at the end of an emergency NEC meeting held on Monday in Lagos, where the leadership of the congress reviewed the report of a disciplinary committee established to investigate allegations of misconduct among some members and affiliates of the organisation.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the President-General of the TUC, Festus Osifo, said the disciplinary actions became necessary to preserve order, discipline and respect for the constitutional processes of the congress.
Osifo explained that the committee was constituted on April 27 and was specifically mandated to investigate cases involving what he described as “flagrant disobedience” to resolutions and decisions lawfully taken by the NEC.
According to him, the panel was directed to ensure fairness in its proceedings by giving all affected persons the opportunity to defend themselves before arriving at its recommendations.
He noted that the committee completed its assignment within the seven working days granted to it and subsequently submitted a detailed report to the National Executive Council for deliberation.
“The committee was mandated to review acts of misconduct within the congress, provide fair hearing to all affected members and recommend appropriate sanctions where culpability was established,” Osifo stated.
He added that after extensive deliberations on the report, the NEC resolved to adopt a number of disciplinary measures against members found to have violated the rules and resolutions of the congress.
According to the TUC president, those expelled from the congress include four members from the Lagos State Council, three from the Rivers State Council, three from the Enugu State Council and one from the Bayelsa State Council.
The affected members were identified as Mr Abiodun Aladetan, Mr Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, Mr Salau Oladele, Josiah Udoka, Mr Emmanuel Onumbu, Mr June Danangogo, Mr Ben Asogwa, Mr Simeon Akaeme, Mr Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe and Fefegha Edwin.
Osifo said the NEC concluded that the expelled members committed serious infractions considered incompatible with the principles and operational guidelines of the congress.
Although details of the specific allegations against each individual were not fully disclosed during the briefing, the TUC leadership insisted that the disciplinary process was transparent and conducted in accordance with the organisation’s constitution.
In addition to the expulsions, the congress also announced the suspension of 14 other members pending further review and possible additional sanctions.
The suspensions, according to the NEC, are intended to allow the congress conclude investigations into related matters while maintaining stability within the organisation.
The emergency meeting reportedly attracted top national officers, state council representatives and affiliate union leaders, many of whom expressed concern over rising tensions and internal disagreements within some branches of the congress.
Labour analysts believe the latest development signals a determination by the TUC leadership to assert discipline and reinforce its authority amid growing internal disputes affecting some state councils.
The congress maintained that respect for constituted authority and adherence to NEC decisions remain essential for preserving unity within the labour movement.
Osifo warned members against acts capable of undermining the credibility and cohesion of the organisation, stressing that no individual or affiliate would be allowed to operate above the rules of the congress.
He said the TUC remained committed to protecting workers’ interests nationwide but insisted that internal discipline and organisational order were equally important to achieving its broader objectives.
“The congress will continue to uphold democratic principles, accountability and discipline in all its operations. Decisions taken collectively by the NEC must be respected by all affiliates and members,” he added.
The development has generated reactions within labour circles, with some stakeholders calling for reconciliation efforts to prevent further division within the congress, while others defended the disciplinary measures as necessary to maintain institutional integrity.
Founded as one of Nigeria’s major labour centres, the TUC represents senior staff associations and numerous affiliate unions across different sectors of the economy.
In recent years, the organisation has played prominent roles in negotiations with government on labour reforms, minimum wage implementation, fuel subsidy policies and workers’ welfare issues.
Observers say the latest disciplinary actions could shape internal power dynamics within the congress ahead of future labour engagements and leadership activities.
Despite the controversy surrounding the expulsions and suspensions, the TUC leadership insists that the actions were taken in the best interest of the organisation and aimed at strengthening internal governance structures within the congress.
