In a dramatic show of industrial solidarity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday shut down operations at the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Abuja, protesting what it described as a blatant disregard for judicial authority and workers’ rights.
The NLC protest stemmed from the ministry’s failure to comply with a court order mandating the reinstatement of Comrade Victor Ekpaha, a Mines Ministry former staff member allegedly dismissed unlawfully over two decades ago. Despite multiple legal victories in his favour, Ekpaha’s reinstatement has not been effected, prompting the NLC to take action.
As early as 7:00 a.m., hundreds of NLC members and affiliate union leaders converged on the ministry’s headquarters, blocking all entry points. The protest halted official activities, with civil servants and ministry executives unable to access the premises.
Chanting solidarity songs and brandishing placards with inscriptions such as “Injustice to One is Injustice to All” and “Obey Court Orders Now,” the protesters demanded full compliance with the court ruling. The picketing, according to union officials, will continue indefinitely until the ministry reinstates Ekpaha and pays all outstanding salaries, benefits, and entitlements due to him since his termination.
Comrade Victor Ekpaha’s case dates back to 2004 when he was reportedly dismissed without just cause. He challenged the action in court. After years of litigation, multiple rulings from the National Industrial Court and higher judicial bodies declared his dismissal illegal. They also deemed it unconstitutional.
Despite these verdicts, sources say successive administrations at the ministry failed to act on the judgments. Speaking during the protest, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero expressed outrage over the prolonged injustice. He described the situation as “an affront to Nigeria’s legal system and a betrayal of labour dignity.”
“We are not here for show. This is a constitutional issue. If the ministry refuses to obey the law, it sets a dangerous precedent for all workers. The courts have spoken. Now it’s time for action,” Ajaero said.
The NLC’s picketing of the ministry is part of a broader campaign to enforce judicial compliance and protect workers from administrative impunity. Labour leaders warned that failure to uphold the law in Ekpaha’s case could embolden other government agencies and private employers to act with similar disregard.
Comrade Ajaero further stated that the congress had exhausted all diplomatic channels before resorting to protest.
> “We wrote letters, made phone calls, held meetings—nothing worked. This is not just about Victor Ekpaha anymore. It’s about sending a clear message that Nigeria must be a country where justice prevails,” he added.
At the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Efforts to reach the Minister and senior officials for comment were unsuccessful, as access to the premises remained restricted.
However, insiders within the ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the matter had been brought to the attention of higher authorities, including the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The protest drew support from other labour unions, human rights advocates, and civil society organisations. The Human Rights and Freedom Advocacy Group (HRFAG) condemned the ministry’s inaction, stating that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Dr. Mary Abubakar, a legal analyst and human rights advocate, commented on the situation:
“This case highlights a troubling culture of non-compliance with court orders in Nigeria, especially when it affects ordinary citizens. It’s time for institutional accountability.”
- NLC’s Demands
The NLC outlined four key demands to resolve the dispute:
1. Immediate reinstatement of Comrade Victor Ekpaha
2. Full payment of all accrued salaries, allowances, and entitlements dating back 20 years
3. Public apology from the ministry for violating Ekpaha’s rights
4. Institutional reforms to ensure compliance with labour court rulings
Unless the ministry acts swiftly, NLC officials say the union will escalate the protest to other government buildings and agencies. There are also plans to hold a nationwide rally to highlight similar cases of judicial disregard across sectors.
The shutdown of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development by the NLC marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s labour history. It underscores the urgency of enforcing court rulings, restoring faith in the legal system, and protecting workers from institutional abuse.
As the protest continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the government will honour its obligations or risk deepening the crisis of confidence in public institutions.