Association Slams N500bn Suit Against Labour Minister, 10 Others

The Incorporated Trustees of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO) has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, and 10 others before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division.

The suit marked NICN/ABJ/165/2024, is challenging the refusal of the federal government to register the association as a trade union in the country.

Other defendants in the suit include Registrar of Trade Unions,

National Union of Civil Engineering Construction Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited (DECN) and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited.

Also, NLNG, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Nigeria Police, Police Service Commission, the Department of State Services and Nigerian Army were added as defendants.

The claimants in the suit, including Comrade Harold Bestowe, Onyeka Christopher, and others, averred that NAPO was formed to represent the interests of heavy-duty plant operators across Nigeria.

They are therefore seeking for an order of certiorari quashing the refusal of the government to register NAPO as a trade union.

The claimants are also seeking an order of the Court directing the issuance of a certificate of registration to NAPO.

Furthermore, they are asking for an order setting aside collective bargaining agreements negotiated between some defendants, an order directing the reinstatement of members whose employment was terminated due to their participation in NAPO’s trade union activities.

The claimants had withdrawn a similar case (NICN/ABJ/166/2024) to avoid duplicity and ensure comprehensive adjudication of all issues in contention.