Edo NLC crisis: Textile Union sacks Edo executives, suspends union activities

From Ebohon Joan

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has dissolved its Edo State Executive Committee and placed all union activities in the state on indefinite suspension over alleged disobedience to directives from its national leadership.

The decision was taken by the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) during a meeting held on July 18, 2026, after reviewing a seminar organised by the Edo State chapter in Benin City on July 16.

In a letter dated July 20 and signed by the union’s General Secretary, Ali Baba, the national leadership accused the Edo State Chairman, Decency Ochie, and other members of the dissolved executive of recognising a person claiming to be the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, despite the existence of an NLC Caretaker Committee recognised by the national leadership.

The union said the Edo executives went against earlier warnings and directives by inviting and recognising the individual during the seminar tagged “Secretaries Forum Workshop, Edo State 2026.”

According to the union, the action amounted to insubordination, disregard for directives from the national leadership and conduct capable of bringing the union into disrepute.

Following the development, the National Administrative Council announced the immediate dissolution of the Edo State Executive Committee and suspended all union activities in the state until further notice.

It also directed that no member of the dissolved executive should represent or act on behalf of the union in any capacity pending further directives from the National Secretariat.

The union said the Nigeria Labour Congress and other relevant bodies have been informed of the decision for necessary action.

NUTGTWN reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, stating that it would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the decisions of its leadership or tarnishing the image of the union.