By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has expressed deep grief over the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, Esq., mni.

Ugboaja, reportedly died on Saturday , August 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness, was described by the textile union as a committed labour leader whose contributions to workers’ rights, trade unionism and the Nigerian labour movement would be difficult to replace.

A statement by Peters Godonu, President and Ali Baba, General Secretary, said “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), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, whose sad demise reportedly occurred on Saturday 22 August 2026, after a prolonged illness.

“Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was a devoted, dedicated and committed labour leader who made significant contributions to the advancement of workers’ rights, trade unionism and the labour movement in Nigeria. His passing is a great loss to the Nigerian labour movement and leaves an enormous void that will be difficult to fill.

“The NUTGTWN expresses its deepest condolences 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 labour movement over this irreparable loss.“At this moment of grief, we pray that God Almighty will grant the family, comrades, friends and associates the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss.

“May the comradely soul of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja rest in perfect peace.”