AUPCTRE Concludes 28th National Governing Council Plenary Session in Abuja: Union Leaders vow stronger fight against restrictive Labour policies at the three-day gathering
The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has wrapped up its 28th Plenary Session of the National Governing Council (NGC), held at Green Minds Hotel in Abuja from September 18th to 20th, 2025.
Delegates from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory arrived on September 18 for the three-day programme. A meeting of state council secretaries took place that evening, followed by the National Executive Council meeting on September 19. The main plenary session convened on September 20th afterward.
This year’s gathering, with the theme “Building Responsive and Dynamic Trade Unionism to Combat Draconic National Industrial Relations Policies,” reflecting a focus on strengthening the union’s jurisdictional scope and addressing restrictive labour policies.
“Our goal is to build a Labour Union that responds quickly and effectively to the challenges our members face,” said AUPCTRE National President Comrade Benjamin Anthony in his opening remarks and subsequent address.
Comrade Benjamin emphasized that AUPCTRE is determined to confront anti-labour policies head-on and protect the rights of workers across all sectors. He also urged all participants, especially state secretaries, state & zonal chairpersons, to focus on unionization and engage in conducting more workshops, training, and retraining of members, as it is a vital part of the Educational programmes of AUPCTRE.
Both the (ag) GS of AUPCTRE, comrade Alo Lawrence, and the president of NLC comrade Joe Ajaero, ably represented by comrade Benson Upah, spoke against the divisive and de-unionization tactics employed by current government agents. Comrade Benson, while delivering his keynote address, praised the internal governance mechanisms of AUPCTRE, which he cited as an example for other unions to follow.
Delegates praised the emphasis put on training and development initiatives anchored by the national leadership during the session, as this will definitely fill all participants with renewed energy and practical tools to strengthen their various state councils. It’s surely not just talk, but they are leaving with action plans.
As one of the largest affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress, AUPCTRE continues to wield significant influence in Nigeria’s Labour Movement. One common factor accepted by all participants is that AUPCTRE, remains a key player in shaping Nigeria’s evolving Labour landscape and this underscores its commitment to advocacy and solidarity at all levels.
