THE National Industrial Court of Nigeria has ordered the Federal Government and the Registrar of Trade Unions to formally register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS) as a recognised trade union.
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae delivered the judgment yesterday, ruling that the government’s refusal to register the association was unlawful and inconsistent with the provisions of the Trade Unions Act.
The suit was instituted by Comrade Niyi Akinnibi on behalf of NANTS, seeking a court order compelling the government to grant the association official recognition.
Named as defendants in the case were the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
In her ruling, Justice Obaseki-Osaghae declared that the relevant authorities were legally obligated to register NANTS and issue it a certificate of registration without further delay.
The court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their representatives, or any other persons acting on their behalf from denying the association recognition under the Trade Unions Act.
According to the judgment, the continued refusal by the Registrar of Trade Unions and the Minister of Labour and Employment to register the association was wrongful.
NANTS was formed by members who reportedly withdrew from the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU).
The new association currently operates branches across several federal and state universities nationwide.
