Ugboaja was a dependable comrade in the struggle for social justice, says PERESSA president
The National President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), Comrade Rufus Olusesan, has called on organised labour to strengthen its unity following the death of the former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Olusesan made the call at an evening of tribute organised by the NLC Lagos State Council in honour of the late labour leader on November 6, 2026.
He described Ugboaja’s death as a major loss to the Nigerian labour movement. He said Ugboaja was a committed trade unionist, fearless advocate and dependable comrade in the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
Ugboaja died on August 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
Olusesan said he received the news of his death with shock and sadness. He also described Ugboaja as a close friend of nearly 30 years.
He recalled the late labour leader’s contributions to the labour movement. These included his involvement in the Nigeria Social Forum, his tenure as General Secretary of NUCFRANMPE between 2000 and 2005, and his membership of the Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
He also recalled Ugboaja’s role in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
According to Olusesan, Ugboaja’s contributions to the labour movement went beyond union administration. He was also a lawyer, scholar and delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference.
He said the late NLC General Secretary would be remembered for strengthening the Congress’s internal democracy and administrative structure.
He also praised his courage during minimum wage negotiations, pension reform struggles and campaigns against anti-labour policies.
Olusesan noted that Ugboaja worked to unite industrial unions and build a common voice for organised labour.
