From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The National Union of Textile, Garment, and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has called the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labor Congress, NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, Esq., mni, a “great loss” to the Nigerian labor movement.
Comrade Ugboaja reportedly passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after battling a prolonged illness.
In a condolence statement signed by NUTGTWN President, Peters Godonu, and General Secretary, Ali Baba, the union expressed its deep sadness upon hearing the news.
“The National Executive Council and the entire membership of the National Union of Textile, Garment, and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) are deeply saddened by the news of the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),” the statement read.
The union praised the late labor leader as “devoted, dedicated, and committed” to workers’ causes.
“Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was a devoted, dedicated, and committed labor leader who made significant contributions to advancing workers’ rights, trade unionism, and the labor movement in Nigeria,” Godonu and Baba stated.
According to NUTGTWN, his death leaves a void that will be hard to fill within the movement.
“His passing is a great loss to the Nigerian labor movement and leaves an enormous void that will be difficult to fill,” the statement added.
The union extended its condolences to the family, the NLC leadership, Nigerian workers, and the global labor community.
“The NUTGTWN expresses its deepest sympathies to the immediate family of our dear Comrade Ugboaja, the President and leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the entire Nigerian working class, and the global labor movement for this irreplaceable loss,” it said.
The union also prayed for strength for those mourning the labor leader.
“At this moment of grief, we pray that God Almighty will grant the family, comrades, friends, and associates the strength and resilience to endure this painful loss. May the soul of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
