Regina Otokpa 
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have sealed partnership to promote social justice, the rule of law, as well as advocate for implementation of policies that would respect the rights of citizens and workers in the country.
President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero who spoke during a courtesy visit to headquarters of the NBA on Thursday, 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.
A statement signed by NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Comrade Benson Upah, noted that the NLC commended the NBA’s role in defending the integrity of the legal system, while expressing optimism that this collaboration would lead to meaningful change in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
The newly elected NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN) who received the labour leaders alongside his team, highlighted the NBA’s determination to uphold the Rule of Law and strengthen Nigeria’s legal institutions.
Osigwe 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 could 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.
According to the statement, the historic 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 labour and legal sectors could work together to ensure that democracy thrives, and that governance is anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability.
