Ugboaja’s death was announced by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the ongoing meeting of the Congress National Executive Council in Enugu State.
Ajaero reportedly informed delegates of the development after reading a notification from Ugboaja’s family. Details about the illness and circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
A respected labour leader and lawyer, Ugboaja became NLC General Secretary in August 2019 after his appointment was confirmed by the Congress’s National Executive Council in Kano. He took over from Peter Ozo-Eson, who retired from the position.
During his years as General Secretary, Ugboaja played a key role in the administration of the labour centre, coordinating its affiliate unions, industrial relations, negotiations with government and employers, policy implementation and nationwide mobilisation.
His tenure witnessed several major engagements between organised labour and government, particularly over minimum wage, workers’ welfare and economic policies.
He was actively involved in negotiations that followed the Federal Government’s approval of the N30,000 national minimum wage in 2019, as labour and government officials worked to resolve disagreements over its implementation.
Ugboaja continued to participate in subsequent campaigns and negotiations focused on improving workers’ earnings and welfare.
In April 2026, he signed an NLC directive calling on workers in states that had not fully implemented the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to join nationwide street rallies during the May Day celebrations.
Born on May 15, 1966, Ugboaja studied Law at the University of Calabar and graduated in 1987. He initially practised as a lawyer for about four years before joining the trade union movement in 1993.
He began his union career with the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees, where he eventually served as General Secretary from 2000 to 2005.
He later worked as Coordinator of Advocacy and Mobilisation at the Alliance for Credible Elections between 2006 and 2009 before joining the NLC Secretariat in 2009.
His death comes as organised labour continues negotiations and engagements with governments over the implementation of the new minimum wage, workers’ welfare and the economic challenges arising from ongoing reforms.
The NLC is expected to release further details concerning his death and funeral arrangements.
