Union Leaders Demand Reversal of Alleged Vindictive Staff Redeployment at Voice of Nigeria

 



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Comr. Oladipupo Olabisi, Chairperson Women Committee,  NLC Lagos State, Mr.Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council,  Comr. Agnes Funmi Sessi, Chairman NLC, Lagos State ,Comr. Abiodun Aladetan, Secretary, TUC Lagos State during the Press Conference at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Lagos on Monday


Five major labour unions in Lagos State have jointly condemned the redeployment of key staff and union leaders at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), describing the action as vindictive, unjust, and a blatant abuse of power by the Director General of the station, Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace.

The Lagos chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU) issued a joint statement on Monday, demanding an immediate reversal of what they call an "act of retaliation" against whistleblowers and union leaders who raised critical concerns about VON's deteriorating operational conditions.

According to the unions, the affected officials were redeployed shortly after submitting a letter dated March 22, 2025, to the DG, titled "Ploy to Render Lagos Staff Redundant." The letter reportedly outlined several alarming issues undermining the station’s effectiveness, particularly at the Lagos office.

Some of the problems highlighted include the lack of diesel supply since the third quarter of 2024, leaving operations dependent on unstable public electricity; non-functional and unhygienic studio and toilet facilities; unpaid cleaning staff salaries; and inoperable official vehicles — all of which have severely affected staff morale and broadcast output.

Rather than address these concerns, the union leaders allege that the DG resorted to punitive redeployments, a move they describe as an attack on freedom of expression, democratic values, and lawful union activities.

"This action is not only unjust but constitutes a direct attack on democratic principles, freedom of expression, and the legitimate role of unions in demanding transparency and accountability," the statement reads in part.

The unions argue that such redeployments contravene both Nigerian labour laws and international conventions protecting the rights of union leaders and whistleblowers. They are demanding the immediate reversal of the staff redeployments, an independent investigation into allegations of financial and administrative misconduct at VON, and the restoration of industrial harmony through proper dialogue and due process.

“If these demands are not met,” the unions warned, “we will be left with no option but to mobilize our members in solidarity actions to defend the sanctity of unionism and the dignity of labour.”

The strongly worded statement was jointly signed by:

  • Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairman, NLC Lagos
  • Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, Secretary, TUC Lagos
  • Tunde Olalere, Secretary, NUJ Lagos State Council
  • Comrade Ismail Adejumo, Chairman, RATTAWU Lagos
  • Comrade Kayode Alakija, President General, SSASCGOC and Deputy President, TUC Lagos

Copies of the resolution were also forwarded to the national leaderships of all five unions.

As of press time, there has been no official response from Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace or the VON management.

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