Union Leaders Condemn VON DG’s ‘Vindictive’ Redeployment of Staff, Demand Immediate Reversal
By Biola Adebayo | July 15, 2025
Labour Unions Decry Authoritarian Actions at Voice of Nigeria
Labour unions in Lagos have issued a strong condemnation of what they describe as the “vindictive and authoritarian” redeployment of union leaders and management staff at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) by Director General Jibrin Baba Ndace. The unions are demanding an immediate reversal of these controversial transfers.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) characterized the recent staff redeployments as punitive measures targeting employees who had raised concerns about workplace conditions and management practices.
Details of the Controversial Redeployments
The affected staff members include key union representatives and senior managers who had been vocal about alleged mismanagement and unfair labor practices at the national broadcasting organization. According to union sources, the transfers were executed without proper consultation or consideration for employees’ personal circumstances.
“This is clearly retaliation against those who dared to speak truth to power,” said Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, Lagos State Chairman of the NLC. “The DG is using administrative transfers as a weapon to silence dissent and break the unions’ strength.”
Union Demands and Potential Escalation
The labor organizations have presented a three-point demand to VON management:
- Immediate reversal of all punitive redeployments
- Public apology to affected staff members
- Guarantee of protection for union activities
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to industrial action. “We cannot stand by while our members are victimized for performing their legitimate union duties,” Isiguzo stated. “The DG must understand that VON is a public institution, not his personal fiefdom.”
Management’s Response and Broader Implications
VON management has defended the redeployments as routine administrative actions necessary for organizational efficiency. In a brief statement, spokesperson Malam Ibrahim Shehu claimed the transfers were part of “normal staff rotation to enhance productivity.”
However, labor experts warn that the situation reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s public sector labor relations. Dr. Fatima Mohammed, a labor relations specialist at the University of Lagos, noted: “When management uses redeployment as punishment rather than for genuine operational needs, it creates a toxic work environment and undermines industrial harmony.”
Historical Context and Legal Considerations
This isn’t the first time VON has faced labor disputes under Ndace’s leadership. In 2024, the organization experienced a two-week strike over unpaid allowances and poor working conditions. The current conflict raises questions about compliance with Nigeria’s labor laws, particularly provisions protecting union activities.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has yet to comment on the matter, but sources indicate the ministry is monitoring developments closely. Under Nigerian law, victimization of union officials constitutes an unfair labor practice punishable by fines or other sanctions.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on whether VON management will negotiate with the unions or maintain its current position. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this dispute can be resolved through dialogue or if it will result in another damaging industrial action at the national broadcaster.
Political analysts suggest the controversy could have implications beyond labor relations, as VON plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s international broadcasting and public diplomacy efforts. Any prolonged disruption could affect the country’s ability to project its voice globally.
For updates on this developing story and more labor news, visit our website.
Credit: This report is based on original reporting by SolaceBase.