The Federal Government has resolved the dispute between the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the recognition of the union’s caretaker committee in the state.

The resolution followed a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, involving the Edo State Governor and NLC President, Joe Ajaero. Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Labour and Employment also attended the meeting.

In a statement issued by the NLC Head of Information and Publicity, Benson Upah, the union said the Edo State Government had agreed to recognise and work with the NLC caretaker committee as the legitimate representative of the Congress in the state.

The government also agreed to ensure that check-off dues are remitted to the NLC through the appropriate channels, addressing one of the key issues surrounding the dispute.

Another major outcome of the meeting is the immediate reopening of the NLC Secretariat in Edo State, which had remained locked amid the disagreement.

According to the statement, the secretariat had been shut by individuals who claimed to be acting on behalf of the governor, although the governor had denied knowledge of or approval for their actions.

The agreement further provides for the immediate resumption of the normal statutory relationship between the Edo State Government and the labour union.

The development is expected to ease tensions between the state government and organised labour, while restoring the framework for engagement on workers’ welfare, labour relations and other employment-related issues.

The dispute had previously attracted international attention when the NLC lodged a complaint against the Edo State Government at the 2026 International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference.

The Congress accused the state government of interference, intimidation and bullying. Nigeria’s delegation to the conference, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, had pledged that the Federal Government would work towards resolving the matter.

The latest agreement marks a significant step towards restoring industrial harmony in Edo State, although the implementation of the commitments will be crucial to sustaining the resolution.

The Federal Government has resolved the dispute between the Edo State Government and the NLC, securing recognition of the union’s caretaker committee and reopening of its state secretariat.