Nigerian Trade Union TUC Demands Immediate Reinstatement Of 74 Sacked Workers Of Christ Embassy Church-Owned Company

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of 74 workers dismissed by Global Plus Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Christ Embassy, over their trade union membership, warning that any attack on workers’ right to unionise is “an attack on democracy itself.” The TUC made the demand in a statement issued on Friday during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Lagos by its Lagos State chapter Chairman, Aladetan Abiodun. Abiodun accused some private sector employers of hostility toward workers’ constitutional rights, insisting that freedom of association is not a favour from employers but a right guaranteed under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. “We therefore call on Global Plus Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Christ Embassy, to use the moral significance of this Workers’ Day to recall the seventy-four workers who were reportedly dismissed on account of their trade union membership,” he said. “The spirit of May Day calls for healing, justice and restoration, not victimisation.” While attacking private employers accused of anti-union practices, the TUC applauded the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government for refusing to interfere in the internal affairs of the union. Abiodun said the state government chose “the nobler path of neutrality, maturity, and respect for democratic principles” during recent internal democratic processes within the TUC Lagos chapter. “At a time when many would have exploited internal disagreements for political advantage, the Lagos State Government allowed due process to prevail and respected the will of workers,” he said. He added that governments confident in their legitimacy do not fear independent unions but partner with them. Abiodun also urged Lagos State government to adopt the newly introduced federal policy on gratuity payments for retired workers, describing gratuity as more than a financial reward. “Gratuity is more than a financial benefit, it is a statement of gratitude,” he said. “It is society saying to the retiring worker: we remember your years of sacrifice, we honour your service, and we will not abandon you at the sunset of your labour.” He expressed confidence that Lagos State government would eventually implement the policy under what he described as the governor’s labour-friendly leadership. The TUC chairman urged workers across the state and Nigeria not to surrender to hardship. “To every worker in Lagos State and across Nigeria, we say today: hold your head high. Let no hardship diminish your worth, and let no challenge silence your hope,” he declared. “Your labour is noble. Your sweat is sacred. Your contribution is eternal.” According to Abiodun, “The worker is the candle that burns itself to give light to others.” “Let the worker never be despised. Let the worker never be forgotten. Let the worker never lose hope.”