The Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE) has elected Obafemi Oyenubi as its new National President, marking a significant step toward unity and stability within the organization. This election follows a successful reconciliation of internal factions, facilitated by veteran union members.
The newly elected national leadership includes Benco Hameed Ademola as Deputy National President I, Aniedi Abasi Ekpo as Deputy National President II, and Segun Victor Alemeru as National Treasurer. Other key officers include Kabiru Haruna Mafara (North West), Ayodeji Frances (South West), Buhari Dame Tanimu (North East), Nwagu Christopher (South East), Joseph Sunday Asaolu (North Central), and Monday Okorocha (South-South) as Regional Vice Presidents.
Additionally, the committee appointed Saudat Abubakar as National Women Coordinator, Priscilla N. Bulus as Deputy National Women Coordinator, Absalom Lansibo Akwara as Auditor I, Nwekwuru Vitus Amaechi as Auditor II, Ime Akpdiaha as Public Relations Officer, and Moses Baba Umoru as Acting General Secretary.
NUAAE, which is affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), traces its origins to 1978, when various agricultural unions merged to form the Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria. Over time, the union evolved, merging with the Agricultural and Allied Senior Staff Association in 2008 to form the Agricultural and Allied Employees’ Union of Nigeria (AAEUN). However, differences led some members to continue operating under the original name until 2019, when they finally merged into AAEUN.
In his inaugural address, President Oyenubi expressed his commitment to the union’s unity and strength, stating, “I am honored to serve as your newly elected president. Thank you for your trust and support. Our union’s unity and strength are crucial in advancing our interests. I pledge to work tirelessly for better working conditions, fair compensation, and social justice. Let’s work together toward a brighter future.”
The union commended President Bola Tinubu for enacting the National Minimum Wage Bill of N70,000 per month on July 29, 2024, and urged states across the federation to implement the new wage promptly. Additionally, the union called on state governments to address spending inefficiencies to support the wage increase.
In a letter dated November 9, 2024, with reference NUAAE/NTC/2024/I/13, addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, the union raised concerns about a previous letter issued by the Ministry. The letter, signed by Director of Trade Union and Industrial Relations, Mohammed A. Yusuf, allegedly recognized an “illegally formed body” by the ousted former president, Mr. Anchaver.
“We are shocked by the content of the letter, which appears to endorse an illegitimate faction. The Ministry’s role is to remain neutral in union affairs, not to interfere in matters resolved through the efforts of the NLC and union veterans. It is troubling to see the Ministry’s involvement in fueling a crisis that has since been peacefully resolved,” the union asserted.
The NUAAE has called for the retraction of the Ministry’s letter and urged the NLC to address the alleged interference, which the union believes could harm the Ministry’s reputation.
