The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)on Thursday the 12th of September, 2024.
Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs who disclosed this in a statement also said the NLC delegation was warmly received during the visit by the newly elected NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and his team.
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 will lead to 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 for policies that respect citizens’ rights and promote social justice. He emphasized 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 organizations 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.
