The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has entered a new phase of leadership with the successful conclusion of its 8th Quadrennial National Delegates Congress (NDC 2025). The congress, held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre (NAF), Abuja, was a historic gathering that saw the emergence of Comrade Aliyu Kankara as President General and Comrade Rufus Adeyemi Babalola as Deputy President General, alongside other newly elected national officers.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders from across Nigeria, was a defining moment for the union, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening local government administration and improving the welfare of its members.
Comrade Aliyu Kankara
The NDC 2025 was attended by a broad spectrum of influential figures, including former national officers, emeritus presidents, state delegates, and representatives from allied labor unions such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MAHWUN). Their presence underscored the significance of the congress in shaping the future of local government employees in Nigeria.
Discussions at the congress centred on reviewing past achievements, addressing current challenges, and setting a new strategic agenda for the union. Members reflected on the progress made in recent years, particularly in the fight for local government autonomy, improved working conditions, and enhanced professional development for workers at the grassroots level.
The transition process was smooth, transparent, and widely commended, with Comrade Ayuba Philibus Wabba, mni, a respected labor leader, serving as the Chief Returning Officer. He praised the outgoing President General, Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, for his dedication to the union’s growth and his role in ensuring a peaceful handover of leadership.
Wabba highlighted that this election was one of the most transparent and inclusive in NULGE’s history, with delegates from all states actively participating in the democratic process. He expressed confidence in the new leadership, emphasizing that Comrade Aliyu Kankara and his team possess the vision, experience, and determination to steer the union toward greater achievements.
During the congress, special recognition was given to Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, whose tenure was marked by relentless advocacy for local government autonomy and workers’ rights. He was hailed as the “Jagaban of NULGE” for his unwavering commitment to advancing the union’s cause at both state and national levels.
His leadership played a critical role in strengthening NULGE’s influence in Nigeria’s labor movement, ensuring that local government workers’ interests remained a priority in national discussions. His legacy of progressive policies, increased engagement with policymakers, and capacity-building initiatives set a high standard for the incoming administration.
In his congratulatory message, Comrade Ayobami Adeogun, the Oyo State NULGE President, expressed optimism about the future of the union under the leadership of Comrade Aliyu Kankara. He offered prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and grace for the newly elected national officers, urging all NULGE members to unite in support of the new leadership.
Adeogun emphasized that the success of the union depends on collective effort, dedication, and a shared vision. He called on members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the union’s goals, as this new administration embarks on implementing policies that will improve the welfare of local government employees nationwide.
With the elections concluded and a new leadership structure in place, NULGE is poised for a transformative era. The newly elected officers, led by President General Aliyu Kankara, are expected to prioritize key issues such as:
- Strengthening advocacy for local government autonomy
- Enhancing welfare benefits and working conditions
- Promoting professional development and training for members
- Fostering stronger collaboration with government institutions and labor unions
- Ensuring effective communication between leadership and members across all states
The congress ended with a sense of renewed energy, enthusiasm, and determination, as members look forward to an era of progress, innovation, and strengthened solidarity under the new leadership.
As Comrade Kankara and his team take the reins, the expectations are high for them to build on past achievements while introducing fresh initiatives to elevate the status of local government employees in Nigeria. The 8th Quadrennial National Delegates Congress of 2025 has not only signaled the beginning of a new leadership cycle but has also reinforced NULGE’s position as a formidable force in Nigeria’s labor movement.
