Trade Union Congress, Niger Govt. pledge stronger partnership with police

The Niger State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with organised labour and the state government to enhance security, public order, and socio-economic development across the state.

Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, commissioner of Police, gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Niger State Chapter, Dahiru Garba Kuta, and members of the union’s executive on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-Kura, Minna.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the TUC chairman expressed sympathy to the command over the recent communal crisis in Kagara, which claimed several lives.
Kuta commended the commitment, sacrifices and professionalism of officers and men of the command in maintaining peace and public order across the state. He also urged members of the congress to continue remembering security personnel in their prayers.

He further appreciated the Commissioner of Police for his consistent support and participation in the activities of the Trade Union Congress, while acknowledging the indispensable role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order and creating the peaceful environment required for socio-economic development.

The TUC chairman gave an overview of the structure and operations of the congress, explaining its composition within the formal and informal sectors, as well as the categories of workers represented under each.

He clarified the relationship between the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), highlighting their respective mandates, affiliations, operational boundaries and areas of responsibility.

Kuta explained that the informal sector of the TUC comprises several affiliated unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), among other recognised unions.

According to him, the leadership of these affiliated unions constitutes the executive structure of the congress in the state, explaining that the visit was also intended to provide the police command with a clearer understanding of the operational framework of both labour centres to facilitate effective policing during labour-related activities, industrial disputes and engagements involving their affiliate members.

Kuta added that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the Trade Union Congress and the Police Command while enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.

He particularly commended the prompt intervention of the Area Commander, Metro, in resolving disputes involving road transport unions, describing the relationship between the Police and organised labour in Niger State as exemplary.

Responding, Commissioner of Police Elleman described the visit as timely and enlightening, appreciating the TUC chairman for the detailed presentation on the structure and operations of the congress.

He said the briefing would further enhance the command’s understanding of labour-related issues and improve its operational responses where necessary.

The police commissioner described the Trade Union Congress as a critical stakeholder and strategic partner in promoting peace, social stability and national development.

He noted that organised labour remains the collective voice of Nigerian workers and an indispensable partner in sustaining public order through constructive engagement with security agencies.

Elleman commended the leadership of the congress for its resilience, patriotism and commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of workers, assuring them of the command’s continued support and readiness to ensure peaceful labour activities and the maintenance of law and order.

He also urged the union’s leadership to sustain its close relationship with the police and continue engaging the command whenever necessary, stressing that effective policing thrives on strategic partnerships with responsible stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police also received the Niger State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Police Command Headquarters in Minna.

Nana appreciated the warm reception accorded him despite the Commissioner’s demanding schedule and noted that the visit had long been anticipated since he assumed office.

He conveyed the appreciation of the Niger State Government to the Commissioner of Police, officers and men of the command for their commitment and sacrifices in combating crime, which he said had significantly improved the security situation across the state.

The commissioner explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Orientation and the Police Command, particularly in strategic communication, public information management and coordinated sensitisation on issues relating to peace, public order and security.

He disclosed that the ministry had recently undergone major reforms to improve information management across the state, including the recruitment of over 150 Information Officers, with the approval of the state governor.

According to him, the officers are currently undergoing training before deployment to the 25 local government areas to enhance grassroots information gathering, dissemination and public engagement.

Nana observed that the growing spread of misinformation and false narratives poses a serious threat to public peace and security.

He said the ministry had therefore introduced measures to promote accurate, timely and credible information capable of fostering public confidence, strengthening trust in government and supporting good governance, even as he commended the cordial relationship between the ministry and the Police Command and expressed the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration in the collective interest of the state.

In his response, Commissioner of Police described the Ministry of Information as a critical partner in promoting public enlightenment and responsible information management.

He noted that the successes recorded by the command in crime prevention and public safety had been made possible through the collaborative support of residents, stakeholders and partner institutions.

The police commissioner stressed that officials of the ministry serve as vital links between government, the police and the public, playing an indispensable role in strengthening public trust and confidence.

He encouraged the ministry to continue providing constructive feedback on police activities, noting that such feedback, whether positive or negative is essential for continuous improvement, accountability and enhanced service delivery.

Elleman reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the public and remains committed to professionalism, transparency and responsiveness.

He assured the commissioner of the command’s continued support in the areas of security, information sharing, public sensitisation and intelligence-driven policing, while appreciating him and his delegation for the visit.