The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari, has urged incoming leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) to prioritise the union’s interests and strictly adhere to constitutional provisions in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that respect for the constitution remains critical to sustaining peace and harmony within the labour movement.
Maigari gave the charge at the Third Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of SSASCGOC, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Represented by the Registrar of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Rabiu Shuaibu, the minister commended the outgoing leadership of the union for its performance over the last four years and urged the incoming executives to build on the existing legacy.
He said, “The incoming leaders must always put the interest of the union above all other interests and ensure that their actions are guided by the constitution. This is the only way peace and harmony can be sustained.”
Maigari further advised the new leadership to focus on programmes that would enhance internal growth and development within the labour movement.
According to him, “Leaders should carry everyone along because everything can be achieved collectively.”
In his welcome address, the President-General of SSASCGOC, Comrade Kayode Alakija, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their support in hosting the conference.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration, Alakija said the union had been repositioned from a near-bankruptcy state to a stable financial footing.
He said, “The team worked assiduously to reposition the association from a deficit financial position that almost resulted in bankruptcy to a comfortable financial position we are enjoying now.”
He added that the leadership restored the tradition of accommodating delegates at conferences, which had previously been halted due to financial challenges.
On industrial relations, Alakija emphasised dialogue over confrontation.
“Dialogue works better in modern times when dealing with government. We begin with engagement and sitting at the round table rather than fighting or carrying placards,” he said.
He also disclosed that the union successfully reviewed collective bargaining agreements and staff conditions of service in key organisations, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and INTELS.
Alakija further revealed that the union expanded its membership base with new organisations such as NAFDAC, OMT Container Terminal, Nigerian Railway Properties, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and Accident Investigation Bureau joining its fold.
On infrastructure, he said the union had acquired a befitting national secretariat worth over N200 million in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
“In line with our collective resolve, we acquired a befitting property in the Federal Capital Territory, which has been refurbished, furnished and is ready for commissioning,” he stated.
Delivering a lecture on the theme ‘SSASCGOC’s partnering role in strengthening government business, enhancing workplace and sustaining the Rule of Law in Nigeria,’ the guest speaker, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abeokuta branch, Barrister Kayode Aderemi, described SSASCGOC as a partner in progress rather than an adversary of government.
He said, “SSASCGOC is not an enemy of government but a partner in strengthening governance and workplace efficiency.”
Aderemi identified legality, collaboration, and capacity building as key strategies for optimising public service delivery.
On collaboration, he noted, “Government should bring SSASCGOC to the table at the point of policy formulation. This will reduce conflicts because the union would have made its input.”
Speaking on capacity building, he added, “There should be a consolidated fund for continuous training of members so they can effectively participate in high-level engagements.”
He also referenced court rulings affirming the union’s position, stating that senior staff on Grade Level 7 and above are to be unionised under SSASCGOC.
At the end of the conference, the union passed a series of resolutions, including a call on the Federal Government to strengthen public institutions to guarantee and sustain the rule of law.
It also called for the establishment of a Statutory Joint Consultative Committee to reduce friction between management and unions during negotiations.
The union further urged the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity to mandate all government agencies to recognise SSASCGOC as the exclusive negotiating body for senior staff.
While commending the federal government for the payment of one-month wage award arrears, the union appealed for the immediate settlement of the remaining two months, as well as other outstanding entitlements, including promotion arrears.
New national officers were elected at the conference, with Comrade Kayode Alakija returning as president-general for a second term of four years.
The event attracted delegates from across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, as well as top labour leaders such as Comrade Oyibo Jimoh, Deputy President of TUC; Comrade Alamutu, TUC Public Relations Officer; Comrade Emmanuel Taja, TUC Trustee; and Mrs Opabiyi Ayoola, who represented the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Omotoyinbo.
Tribune.……
