Iyunade Grace
The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to register the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities (NANTS) as a trade union. In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in suit NICN/ABJ/345/2023, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae directed the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately register NANTS and issue it a certificate of registration under the Trade Unions Act.
The suit was filed by Comrade Niyi Akinnibi on behalf of the association against the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the Attorney General of the Federation. NANTS is a new body representing non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities. According to reports, members broke away from the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) to form their own independent organization, citing a need for better representation and improved working conditions.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae declared that the refusal of the Registrar and the Minister to register the association was unlawful and wrongful. The court held that the defendants are bound to register NANTS as a Trade Union under the Trade Union Act. The judge issued a mandatory order directing the authorities “to register forthwith and or to issue the claimant forthwith with the certificate of registration.
The judgment comes amid legal arguments over Section 3(2) of the Trade Unions Act, which states that no trade union shall be registered to represent workers where there already exists a union. NASU had earlier contended that NANTS cannot be registered since NASU already represents non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities. The court’s ruling effectively dismissed that interpretation in this case, finding the FG’s refusal to register NANTS unjustified.
This decision underscores the principle of freedom of association and the right of workers to organize for collective bargaining. With official recognition, NANTS members are expected to have a stronger voice in negotiations with university management and government authorities on salary structure, benefits, and working conditions. Stakeholders in the education sector hope the establishment of NANTS will lead to improvements in the working environment for university staff.
The ruling adds to recent government moves to register new unions in the university system. In 2022, the Federal Government registered the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) alongside ASUU. The Labour Minister at the time, Chris Ngige, said the move was to ensure lecturers who felt unrepresented had protection and a voice at work.
For the Federal Government, the court order means the Ministry of Labour must now process NANTS’ registration and issue its certificate. The judgment sets a precedent for other groups within the university system considering forming their own unions to address specific concerns. It also highlights ongoing tensions and realignments among university-based unions as staff seek dedicated platforms to advocate for their interests.
