By Raymond Akorede
Abuja, Nigeria — A tense standoff between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Steel Development over a controversial legal dispute involving a former employee of the Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, has ended in a mutual agreement to pursue an amicable resolution.
The dispute centers around Mr. Victor Effiong Ekpaha, a former MTI staff member who voluntarily resigned in 2005, but later filed a legal suit seeking reinstatement and salary claims. His case culminated in a 2021 ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering his reinstatement and the payment of outstanding emoluments.
However, the Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment and filed an appeal, including motions for stay of execution, which remain pending in court.
The situation reached a flashpoint on Thursday, April 10, 2025, when members of the NLC, acting on information provided by Mr. Ekpaha, staged a picket at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja.
Responding to the protest, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, provided a detailed briefing that clarified the Ministry’s position and the steps it had taken toward a peaceful resolution.
“This matter is not about workers’ welfare in general but stems from a single individual’s grievance,” Dr. Isokpunwu said. “The Ministry has shown goodwill, even offering a N30 million settlement based on legal advice and consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation, but Mr. Ekpaha rejected the offer and instead made a baseless demand of over N2 billion.”
Dr. Isokpunwu reiterated that Mr. Ekpaha had resigned voluntarily in August 2005, following non-payment of three months’ salary, and was officially cleared from the Institute with proper documentation. His later legal action, filed more than a decade after his resignation, has since become a source of contention between the parties involved.
Following the Ministry’s clarification, both sides agreed to de-escalate tensions and move toward constructive dialogue.
“In the spirit of comradeship and as a responsible organization, we are setting up a Joint Committee to critically examine this case,” Dr. Isokpunwu announced. “We urge the NLC to participate in this process so that all parties can reach a well-informed and fair resolution.”
The NLC has yet to issue a formal statement following the meeting, but sources close to the leadership indicated a willingness to engage in the joint review process in good faith.
The Ministry’s move signals a shift towards institutional cooperation, rather than prolonged litigation or public confrontations.
“This isn’t just about one man’s claim—it’s about upholding the rule of law, due process, and fair treatment for all parties,” Dr. Isokpunwu added.
As the Joint Committee prepares to begin its review, both the Ministry and the NLC are expected to work collaboratively to bring the long-standing matter to a close, while preserving industrial harmony and reinforcing the credibility of public institutions.
