By Victor AhiumaYoung

THE Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr Falonipe Amos, has decried the seemingly lack of committed leadership, absence of internal democracy among others in trade unions.

In addition, he lamented that tribalism and nepotism are the major challenges that Trade unions in Nigeria currently face.

Speaking at the 8th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference, of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, in Abuja, the RTU informed that the “Trade unions are basically an integral part of a liberal democratic society. They are an important part of the fabric of the Nigerian society providing social, economic, political, and psychological benefits for their members as well as the platform for participation in managerial functions in government and workplaces.

“It is, however, worrisome that in recent times, trade unions in Nigeria have been witnessing serious challenges that tend to militate against their performance. It has been observed that lack of committed leadership, absence of internal democracy, tribalism and nepotism are the major challenges that Trade unions in Nigeria currently face, I therefore enjoin you to come up with strategies to address these challenges.

“There is no doubt that your union occupies a very strategic and important position in the public sector in Nigeria. I must commend you for your unrelenting efforts as you desire to progress the union towards achieving greater heights and also herald in a new administration that will run the affairs of your union for the next four years.

“I urge you to keep up the good work.

“Let me, at this point, commend your union for being alive to its statutory obligations to the Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions, concerning the rendition of Annual Financial Returns and Audited Accounts in line with Section 37-42 of the Trade Unions Act LFN 2004.

“As we have always reminded registered unions, check off dues are public funds that should be properly accounted for. The branches of Trade unions are expected to render their accounts to the National body which would incorporate them in the Returns to be submitted to the Registrar of Trade Unions for necessary approval.”