Court orders Federal Government to register NANTS as a trade union, directing immediate issuance of certificate under Trade Union Act
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government and the Registrar of Trade Unions to register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS) as a trade union under the Trade Union Act.
Also read: Osun APC, ADC Reject Court Rulings, Vow Strong Appeals
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae delivered the judgment in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/345/2023, brought before the court by university workers seeking formal recognition of the association as a registered trade union.
The court directed the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately process and issue the certificate of registration to NANTS.
The ruling also declared that the refusal to register the association was wrongful and inconsistent with the provisions of the Trade Union Act.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae further issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from denying the claimant recognition as a trade union.
“A declaration is hereby made that the defendants are bound to register the claimant’s National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities as a Trade Union under the Trade Union Act,” the court ruled.
The judge also held that the continued refusal by the relevant authorities to grant registration was unlawful and must cease forthwith.
University workers involved in the formation of NANTS had approached the court through Niyi Akinnibi, seeking enforcement of their right to establish the union.
It was gathered that the group comprises non-teaching staff across federal and state universities who previously belonged to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities before breaking away to form the new association.
Also read: Osun APC, ADC Reject Court Rulings, Vow Strong Appeals
The court’s decision is expected to reshape labour representation within Nigeria’s university system as stakeholders react to the development.
