President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, renowned labour leader and veteran trade unionist, on the occasion of his 85th birthday, marked on January 7, 2026.
The President commended Alhaji Sunmonu for his immense contributions to nation-building and his lifelong commitment to the welfare and advancement of Nigerian workers.
Alhaji Sunmonu has played a central role in Nigeria’s labour movement for decades, championing workers’ rights and agitating for improved conditions of service. He served as President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) from 1978 to 1984 and was also formerly the General Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity.
President Tinubu remarked:
“One cannot help but notice Alhaji Sunmonu’s outstanding pioneering leadership within the labour movement and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of workers.
“His emergence at the pinnacle of the labour movement is particularly instructive. Before the formation of the NLC in 1978, the Obasanjo administration had disbanded four national labour unions, including the moderate United Labour Congress led by Haroun Adebola, and the more radical Nigeria Trade Union Congress.
“As a labour leader, Sunmonu’s NLC presented a historic Charter of Demands which, among other achievements, laid the foundation for the institutionalisation of a national minimum wage and a minimum pension scheme.”
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Alhaji Sunmonu for his enduring passion for workers’ welfare and service to the nation, wishing him continued good health, renewed strength, and many more years of fulfillment.
