The leadership of the Union of Tipper & Quarry Employers of Nigeria has welcomed the judgment of the National Industrial Court sitting in Calabar which restrained the Ikom Sand/Gravel Dredging and Tipper Union from regulating quarrying, sand and gravel dredging and tipper haulage operations within its jurisdiction NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The Ikom Local Government Area Chairman of the union, Elvis Advocate, and Comr. Charles Bassey the State Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the ruling delivered on July 15, 2026, by Justice Sansui Kado in suit number NICN/CA/12/2026.
Advocate described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and the protection of the rights of genuine trade unions operating in the sector.
“We are pleased with the decision of the court. It has affirmed that our union is the lawful and recognised body authorised to organise our members, regulate terms and conditions of employment and represent their interests within Ikom and other areas under our jurisdiction,” he said.
He added that the court correctly held that the Ikom Sand/Gravel Dredging & Tipper Union, MPCS, is not a registered trade union and therefore lacks the legal authority under Nigerian law to regulate quarrying, sand/gravel dredging or tipper haulage operations.
Comr. Charles Bassey the state chairman also hailed the judgment, noting that it would end the alleged unlawful interference, imposition of levies and harassment of members of the Union of Tipper & Quarry Employers of Nigeria.
“This judgment is a relief to our members who have suffered illegal obstruction and public opprobrium. We commend the court for granting the perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and anyone operating under the name of the Ikom union from interfering with our operations and members,” Bassey stated.
The court had declared the Union of Tipper & Quarry Employers of Nigeria the lawful and recognised trade union for its members. It, however, clarified that the claimant’s trade-union functions do not extend to regulating the quarry industry, which remains the responsibility of government agencies.
The court further restrained the defendants — Stephen Asungha Esor, Desmond Oyongha Nsor and Bassey Ndifon Inyang — their agents and any persons operating under the Ikom Sand/Gravel Dredging & Tipper Union from interfering with, regulating, imposing levies on or issuing directives to members of the claimant union.
It also awarded N500,000 in general damages against the defendants for unlawful interference and N20 million as cost of litigation, with 10 per cent monthly interest on the judgment debt until fully paid.
Advocate and Bassey urged members of the public and operators in the sector to respect the court’s pronouncement and desist from any actions that could undermine the authority of recognised trade unions.
