Labour unions in Lagos have strongly condemned what they described as the “vindictive and authoritarian” redeployment of union leaders and management staff at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) by its Director General, Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the Lagos State branches of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU), expressed outrage over the redeployment, calling it a direct attack on unionism, transparency, and civil service integrity.

According to the unions, the redeployed officials were targeted shortly after raising critical concerns about the operational condition of VON’s Lagos office, accusing the DG of ignoring civil service rules and sidelining staff welfare.

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SolaceBase reports that a letter dated March 22, 2025, reportedly sent by the in-house union leaders to Mr. Ndace and titled “Ploy to Render Lagos Staff Redundant,” highlighted severe operational failures in the Lagos office.

These include the lack of diesel supply since the third quarter of 2024, non-functional studios and operational vehicles, absence of cleaning services due to unpaid salaries, and unusable toilet facilities, which have left staff depending on those of neighbouring Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The unions allege that instead of addressing the outlined issues, the DG opted for a retaliatory approach by redeploying those who dared to raise concerns, branding the action as a “gross abuse of power” and an attempt to silence whistleblowers.

“We remind the DG and the general public that union leaders and whistleblowers are protected by law and international labour conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the statement read.

They issued the following demands: immediate reversal of the redeployments, a full investigation into allegations of financial impropriety and administrative high-handedness at VON, and unconditional respect for union rights.

They also called for a restoration of industrial harmony through dialogue and adherence to due process.

“If these demands are not met,” the unions warned, adding, “we will be left with no option but to mobilize our members in solidarity actions to defend the sanctity of unionism and the dignity of labour.”

The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairman of NLC Lagos State; Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, Secretary of TUC Lagos State; Tunde Olalere, Secretary of NUJ Lagos Council; Comrade Ismail Adejumo, Chairman of RATTAWU Lagos; and Comrade Kayode Alakija, President General of SSASCGOC and Deputy President of the Lagos TUC Council.