Civil society and faith-based organisations in Nigeria have expressed support for the newly elected leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE). Eugene Manji was elected as the new National President at the union's 7th National Delegates Conference in Kano on September 23 and 24, 2026. The groups expect the new leadership to intensify the campaign for accessible and affordable public services.
The election was supervised by the Registrar of Trade Unions, who represented the Minister of Labour and Employment. Alongside Manji, other national officers were elected, including Uzu Fidelis and Ibrahim Kirfi as National Deputy Presidents, and various National Vice Presidents, a National Treasurer, National Secretary and Finance, and National Auditors. The new leadership takes over at a critical period, with the future ownership and management of public utilities, including water services, remaining subjects of policy and public debate.
Executive Director of Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF), Sani Baba, welcomed the election outcome, citing Manji's previous involvement in campaigns concerning public service delivery. Baba expressed optimism that the new leadership would strengthen campaigns against the privatisation of water and other public utilities. The groups plan to collaborate with the new executive to defend workers' and citizens' access to quality public services.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), described Manji's election as significant, given his previous campaign against water privatisation in Plateau State. Jakpor noted that the new leadership emerged at a time when accountability and affordable access to public services were increasingly subject to profit-driven considerations, with consequences for low-income communities.
Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, Coordinator of the Ecumenical Water Network Africa, expected the new AUPCTRE leadership to continue challenging policies that turn essential services into profit-oriented commodities. Chima Williams, Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), congratulated the union on a rancour-free election, saying the new leadership was expected to promote transparent, efficient, and equitable public services.
Lady Vicky Onyekuru, Executive Director of Child Health Organisation, noted that the new leadership had assumed office at a critical period, particularly for vulnerable groups. She expressed hope that Manji's previous advocacy for people-centred public services would continue under the new administration. Representatives of Public Services International (PSI) attended the conference, showing international support for the union.
The new leadership of AUPCTRE faces the challenge of opposing policies that disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups. With the support of civil society organisations, the union is expected to continue advocating for public accountability, affordability, and universal access to essential services. The groups will work together to ensure that public services remain accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
Key points
- Civil society groups welcome Eugene Manji as new AUPCTRE president.
- The groups oppose the privatisation of essential public utilities.
- The new leadership aims to promote accessible and affordable public services.
