The National Butchers Union of Nigeria (NUBWN) is calling on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to revoke the registration of a newly established rival group, warning that its existence could trigger a dangerous crisis within the industry.
At an emergency executive meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, the union’s National President, Chief John Osamede Adun, passionately appealed to the government to reverse the decision, describing the new union as both “illegal” and “provocative.”
“Our union was registered in 1966,” Adun asserted. “We are not a baby union. This parallel body will only sow disunity and disrupt the peace we’ve maintained for decades.”
Adun accused the recently formed “National Union of Butchery Employees of Nigeria” of being a tool to destabilize the established union, emphasizing that such a move is unacceptable to the longstanding members of the butchery industry.
The NUBWN, which traces its roots back to its 1966 registration, has long been a cornerstone of the butchery industry in Nigeria. Over the years, it has worked to improve the welfare of its members and ensure a stable working environment in the sector.
However, the recent approval of a parallel union by the Federal Ministry of Labour has introduced a new dimension of tension. Chief Adun fears that the splinter group’s existence might incite violence, particularly among butchers in Edo State, who are already grappling with internal divisions.
“We are not in support of any crisis in Edo State Butchers Union,” Adun reiterated. “The government must act swiftly to cancel the registration of this rival body before tempers boil over.”
The stakes are particularly high due to the nature of the profession. Ahmed Muhammed Borgu, the National Secretary of the union, highlighted the danger posed by disgruntled members.
“Let’s not forget that our tools – knives and cutlasses – are part of our daily work,” Borgu warned. “If aggrieved members turn these tools into weapons, the outcome could be catastrophic.”
Borgu further cautioned that the formation of the parallel union threatens not only the unity of butchers in Edo State but also the safety of the wider community.
The union has already initiated legal action, with lawyers formally petitioning the Ministry of Labour to rescind the rival group’s registration. Both Chief Adun and Borgu stressed that immediate government intervention is critical to restoring harmony.
“The sole aim of this new union is to cause division and disaffection,” Adun argued. “We appeal to the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, to take decisive action and restore order.”
Adun, who holds the esteemed title of Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom, also urged the judiciary to prioritize the matter, emphasizing the need for swift resolution to prevent violence.
Tensions between butchers have been simmering for years, with allegations of mismanagement and favoritism often surfacing within the union. The emergence of a parallel body seems to have reignited these disputes, bringing the industry closer to open confrontation.
Analysts warn that the situation reflects a broader trend of internal divisions within Nigerian trade unions. In recent years, parallel unions have cropped up in various sectors, often leading to prolonged legal battles and operational inefficiencies.
The Butchers Union, however, insists that its case is unique due to the sensitive nature of their work environment. “We deal with sharp tools every day,” Borgu reiterated. “A small disagreement could escalate into something much worse.”
Edo State has emerged as a flashpoint in this brewing crisis. Known for its bustling meat markets, the state plays a central role in the butchery industry. Local members have reportedly expressed anger and confusion over the government’s decision to approve a second union.
“We have always been united in Edo,” said a local butcher who preferred to remain anonymous. “This new union will only create unnecessary competition and tension among us.”
Reports indicate that some butchers in the state are already arming themselves in anticipation of potential clashes.
In his closing remarks, Chief Adun appealed for calm among union members, urging them not to take matters into their own hands.
“We are a family,” he said. “Let us resolve this issue through dialogue and legal channels. Violence will only harm our livelihoods and tarnish our reputation.”
The Butchers Union hopes that its long history and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development will be enough to convince the government to act in their favor.
