The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a caution to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), advising them to refrain from using trade union dues to fund political objectives.

This warning follows a letter dated July 10, 2024, from the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, to the ministry, seeking clarification on the role of the NLC in the activities of the party. The NLC, led by Joe Ajaero, has been in a dispute with the Labour Party leadership over ownership claims, insisting that it has proprietary rights over the party.

In response, the Department of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations within the ministry issued a letter dated July 31, 2024, outlining the legal framework governing the NLC and TUC's involvement in political activities. The letter, signed by the Director/Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, on behalf of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, referenced Section 15 of the Trade Unions Act Cap T14 & T15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The registrar clarified that Section 15 specifies that trade union dues should not be used for political purposes unless explicitly permitted by the union's rules. The act states that funds from trade unions, including subscriptions, dues, or other payments, must not be applied directly or indirectly to further any political objectives.

"I wish to urge the leadership of the NLC to be guided by the above provisions of the Trade Unions Act in dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties," the letter concluded.