NLC Petitions Tinubu, Alleges Corruption, Crisis at Lower Niger River Basin Authority

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State Council, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention over what it described as a deepening crisis, alleged corruption, and administrative collapse at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Ilorin.

In the letter, the union accused the Authority’s management, led by Managing Director Engr. George Olushola Olumoroti, of fostering division, intimidating workers, engaging in procurement irregularities, and suppressing accountability.

The NLC warned that the situation, if left unaddressed, could undermine the federal government’s agricultural and food security agenda.

According to the union, the Authority has become engulfed in division, fear, victimisation, and serious allegations of procurement irregularities under the current leadership. It stated that no institution can achieve progress where unity among workers has collapsed and fear has replaced trust.

The NLC further alleged that workers face intimidation, selective victimisation, wrongful demotions, withholding of promotion letters, and punitive queries against those who demand accountability or associate with union activities.

On procurement, the union raised concerns that the Managing Director reportedly claimed before union representatives that the Bureau of Public Procurement was aware of procurement irregularities within the Authority. The NLC said such a claim, whether true or false, raises grave governance concerns.

The labour body also alleged that refurbished tractors and equipment were being passed off as brand-new government assets. Additionally, it accused the management of undermining financial oversight by sidelining the Executive Director for Finance and Administration from statutory responsibilities.

The NLC further raised issues about a recent visit by officials from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alleging that the Managing Director restricted staff engagement, denying workers the chance to voice grievances.

Among other allegations, the union listed unauthorised deployment of heavy-duty equipment, diversion of government revenues, private use of official vehicles, victimisation of workers for lawful labour activities, and refusal to release public information requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

The NLC urged President Tinubu to order a forensic investigation into the Authority’s procurement and financial activities and consider removing or transferring the Managing Director.

The union warned that continued tension within the Authority threatens industrial harmony and the effective delivery of its mandate, adding that urgent action is needed in the national interest.