The national industrial court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to formally register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS) as a recognized trade union.
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae delivered the ruling, declaring that the continued refusal by government authorities to approve the association’s registration violated the provisions of the Trade Unions Act.
The legal action was initiated by NANTS through its representative, Comrade Niyi Akinnibi, who asked the court to compel the relevant authorities to grant the association legal recognition.
Named as defendants in the suit were the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
In the judgment, the court held that the authorities responsible for union registration had a statutory duty to process and approve the application submitted by NANTS. It further stated that denying the association registration lacked legal justification.
Consequently, the court directed the registrar of trade unions and the minister of labour and employment to immediately complete all registration procedures and issue the union with its certificate of registration.
The court also granted a perpetual injunction preventing government agencies, officials, or any persons acting on their behalf from obstructing or denying the association’s recognition as a trade union in the future.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for labour representation within Nigeria’s university system, paving the way for NANTS to operate independently and advocate for the welfare of non-teaching staff members nationwide.
NANTS emerged from efforts by a group of university workers seeking a separate platform to represent non-academic employees. Reports indicate that the association has already established structures across several federal and state-owned universities, strengthening its case for legal recognition.