The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has mourned the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, describing him as a “titan” of the labour movement whose life was dedicated to workers’ rights, social justice and the defence of the oppressed.

Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a protracted illness.

The NLC disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held at Hotel Presidential, Enugu, on Thursday and signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The Congress said it received the news of Ugboaja’s death from his family, describing his passing as a profound loss to Nigerian workers and the global trade union movement.

According to the NLC, Ugboaja remained committed to the welfare of Nigerian workers despite his health challenges, portraying him as a courageous and dedicated servant of the working class.

The Congress described the late labour leader as an erudite scholar, legal mind, advocate and strategist whose contributions significantly shaped the labour movement during his years of service.

It said Ugboaja was a formidable presence both at the negotiating table and on the picket line, where he consistently defended workers, the downtrodden and vulnerable members of society.

The NLC recalled that he represented workers as a delegate at the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference, where he championed issues affecting disadvantaged Nigerians.

Beyond Nigeria, the Congress said Ugboaja also demonstrated a strong commitment to international working-class solidarity and the broader struggle for social justice.

The NLC’s NEC resolved that the late General Secretary deserved a befitting farewell and said its leadership was already working with his family to organise a funeral that would reflect his contributions to the labour struggle.

Describing the deceased as an exceptional labour leader, the Congress said:

“Comrade Ugboaja was not merely a General Secretary; he was the quintessential ‘General Secretary of General Secretaries.’ He was no ordinary man!”

The NLC added:

“An erudite scholar, a passionate advocate, and a cerebral strategist, he brought to the trade union movement an intellect that was as sharp as his legal mind, honed at the University of Calabar.”

According to the Congress, Ugboaja sacrificed personal comfort and privilege to defend Nigerian workers and oppressed people.

“He denied himself the comforts and privileges of life to shield the Nigerian worker and the oppressed masses, not just in Nigeria, but throughout the globe,” it said.

The NLC also recalled his role in negotiations and industrial actions, saying:

“In his tenure, Comrade Ugboaja was a robust figure at the negotiating table and a rugged presence on the picket line.”

The Congress said his participation in major national conferences further demonstrated his commitment to representing ordinary Nigerians.

“He was a man of the people, serving as a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference in 2005 and the National Conference in 2014, where he articulated the cause of the downtrodden with unparalleled clarity. The struggle has indeed lost a titan.”

The NLC urged members of the labour movement to remain steadfast despite the loss, stressing that the struggle for equity, fairness and better working conditions must continue.

It said Ugboaja’s legacy would remain a source of inspiration to workers and future generations of labour leaders.

The Congress expressed condolences to his immediate family, the NLC family and affiliated unions, while urging workers to remain committed to the ideals for which he fought.

“This is not a funeral; this is a roll call of the living, and though our General has fallen, his spirit will answer ‘Present!’ in our ongoing struggle for equity and fair play in our workplaces,” the communique added.