The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its unwavering commitment to opposing the mass suffering and hunger caused by the Federal Government's anti-people policies.
This stance comes amid escalating attacks on the trade union movement, including the recent police summoning of NLC President Joe Ajaero on allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Since 2023, Nigerian trade unions have faced a campaign of harassment and intimidation. Notably, Joe Ajaero was violently assaulted in November 2023, leading to his hospitalization.
The situation has deteriorated further with heavily armed security forces raiding and occupying the NLC headquarters earlier this month, arresting a union worker and causing damage. Reports indicate that 13 people were killed by security forces during a protest for economic justice.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), representing 191 million members globally, has expressed grave concern over these developments.
ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle stated, "We see the systematic contravention of ILO conventions by the Nigerian government, particularly those related to freedom of association and the right to organize." Similarly, ITUC Africa's General Secretary Joel Odigie condemned the persecution of trade union leaders, emphasizing that such actions undermine democracy and the rule of law.
Amnesty International Nigeria and other civil society organizations have also raised alarms over the government's efforts to intimidate and undermine the NLC. Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, described the allegations against Ajaero as a blatant attempt to cripple the union.
In response to these attacks, the NLC has called on its affiliates to shut down the economy should Ajaero be arrested. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, explained that Ajaero could only appear before the police on August 29, 2024, due to prior commitments.
The NLC remains resolute in its mission to defend the rights of Nigerian workers and the general populace. As one NLC leader stated, "They are hungry, they are suffering, and they are dying and are in pain. These are what we are telling the government which they do not want to hear."
The international community, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and ITUC, has been alerted to the state harassment and intimidation faced by the NLC.
The global workers' groups have warned of dire consequences if these repressive tactics continue, urging the Nigerian government to respect human and labour rights and uphold the principles of democracy.
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