AMINA ADAMU AUGIE, JCA (Delivering the leading Judgment): The Appellants commenced an action by way of Originating Summons at the Federal High Court, Lagos "for themselves and on behalf of Tally Clerks and Security Men registered with Dock Labour Board in 1989" against the Joint Dock Labour Industrial Council. The lower Court was asked to determine -
"WHETHER the Defendant can validly order the Plaintiffs to be registered by the Dock Labour Employment/Contractors in view of provision of the Nigerian Dock Labour Decree No.37 of 1999 especially Section 2, 16 and 34."
They also prayed the Federal High Court for the following reliefs -
1. A DECLARATION that the Plaintiffs are bona fide registered dock workers under the Management of the Defendants in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Dock Labour Decree No.37 of 1999.
2. A DECLARATION that the decision of the Defendant requiring the Plaintiffs to be registered by the Dock Labour Employment/Contractors is illegal, null and void…