AUPCTRE’s 28th National Governing Council Plenary Session Unfolds in Abuja: Comrade Benjamin Anthony Steers Union Toward Triumph
By Gambo Jagindi
September 19, 2025
In a bold demonstration of resilience and strategic foresight, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has launched its 28th Plenary Session of the National Governing Council (NGC) at Green Minds Hotel Abuja, running from September 18-21, 2025. The gathering’s poignant theme, “Building Responsive and Dynamic Trade Unionism to Combat Draconic National Industrial Relations Policies,” underscores AUPCTRE’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding workers’ interests amidst Nigeria’s intricate labor landscape. Under the helm of President Comrade Benjamin Anthony, AUPCTRE solidifies its stature as one of the Nigerian Labour Congress’s (NLC) top three affiliates – a testament to Anthony’s astute leadership and the union’s unrelenting advocacy.
AUPCTRE stands out for its dedication to safeguarding and advancing the interests of its members, cornerstone to which is the relentless pursuit of improved working conditions, wages, and benefits. The union tirelessly negotiates contracts that ensure fair treatment and rightful compensation for labour, acting as a formidable collective voice for workers in Nigeria’s public corporations. By championing these causes, AUPCTRE endeavours to rectify the power imbalance inherent between employees and employers, fostering an environment where workers’ rights are respected and upheld.
Central to AUPCTRE’s mission is enhancing job security and addressing workplace grievances with alacrity, alongside fervent promotion of safe and healthy work environments. The union doesn’t merely stop at immediate workplace concerns; it proactively advocates for broader workers’ rights and social justice, engaging deeply in policy dialogues and lobbying efforts geared towards shaping labour laws and regulations impactful to its members. AUPCTRE recognises the potency of equipping workers with skills for evolving job markets, thus placing pronounced emphasis on training and development opportunities – a strategic investment in members’ employability and career progression.
Through these endeavours, AUPCTRE nurtures solidarity among workers, extending its engagement to wider societal issues pertinent to labour welfare. By representing members collectively, the union amplifies workers’ voices, striving for equitable outcomes in industrial relations. AUPCTRE’s actions reflect a holistic approach to labour advocacy, blending immediate workplace betterment with broader societal engagement, cementing its role as a pivotal advocate for workers’ rights within Nigeria’s labour landscape.
The Presidential of AUPCTRE, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, a Kaduna State native from Sanga Local Government, epitomizes the blend of academic prowess and labor movement fervor steering AUPCTRE’s ascent. With a rich academic tapestry woven from a Bachelor’s in Sociology (University of Abuja, 2007), Master’s in Conflict Security & Development (Nigeria Defence Academy, 2014), and Industrial Sociology (University of Abuja, 2015), coupled with membership in the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Anthony’s credentials marry intellectual rigor with hands-on labor activism. His trajectory – Acting Branch Secretary to Branch Chairman roles at Federal Housing Authority, culminating in AUPCTRE’s presidency – speaks volumes of his ascent fueled by member-centric passion.
Observers note Anthony’s tenure has been marked by an uncanny ability to navigate choppy waters; he confronts challenges head-on, earning profound respect and cooperation from AUPCTRE’s rank-and-file. Serving as NLC National Vice President (2023-present), former National Auditor (2018-2023), and Chairman of the Trade Union Side of the National Public Service Joint Negotiation Council (2021-present), Comrade Anthony wields influence that amplifies AUPCTRE’s bargaining clout. His leadership mantra appears anchored in transparency and tenacity – traits that have arguably fortified AUPCTRE’s position despite legal contestations like the National Industrial Court case NICN/ABJ/67/2021 probing eligibility aspects tied to his senior staff status.
The notion that AUPCTRE’s jurisdictional scope is limited to junior staff is indeed seen by many as an outdated political stance, especially considering Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution explicitly guarantees every person’s right to assemble freely and associate with others, including forming or joining trade unions of their choice for protecting their interests ,
This constitutional right suggests that classifying AUPCTRE or any union based on rigid jurisdictional scopes tied to staff hierarchy might not align with the spirit of the law. The Constitution emphasizes individual choice regarding union membership, implying workers should have autonomy in deciding which union represents them best.
The union’s collaborations within Nigeria’s broader labor movement, epitomized by NLC ties, spotlight its synergy-driven approach to industrial relations. As Nigeria’s economic and policy landscapes shift, AUPCTRE’s dynamism – personified by Comrade Anthony – positions it as an indispensable voice articulating public sector workers’ aspirations.
The 28th NGC plenary doubtless offers a strategic platform for AUPCTRE to chart bold pathways addressing jurisdictional scopes and confronting draconian policies head-on. With Comrade Benjamin Anthony at the helm, embodying a fusion of wisdom and grit, AUPCTRE appears poised to not merely navigate but shape Nigeria’s evolving labor dialogue – cementing its pivotal role in fortifying trade unionism’s bedrock principles of solidarity and advocacy.
Jagindi, A labor activist/ digital media publisher writes from Abuja