The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting.
In a communique issued by the NLC’s National Administrative Council, signed by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, the congress described the detention as “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.”
The NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert, vowing not to stand by while workers’ rights are trampled upon.
The council demanded Ajaero’s release by 12 midnight and also called for the reversal of the recent petrol price hike to N617/litre.
According to the NLC, Ajaero’s detention is a clear act of intimidation, carried out without a legal warrant or formal justification.
The union highlighted that his whereabouts and state of health remain unknown, despite their efforts to contact him. “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument.
Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body,” the statement read.
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The union accused the government of using oppressive tactics to silence dissent and opposition as the country grapples with economic challenges.
“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition,” it added.
The NLC has summoned an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council to discuss further actions, as the union reaffirms its commitment to defending workers’ rights.
“The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon.
Accordingly, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Joe Ajaero.”
Furthermore, the NLC called on the international community, human rights organizations, and advocates of democracy to take note of what it described as a rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
“The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law,” the NLC warned.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also condemned Ajaero’s arrest, with its president, Festus Osifo, calling for his immediate release.
In a statement, Osifo noted, “This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.”
He urged the government to prioritize dialogue over harassment and reaffirmed the TUC’s solidarity with the NLC. “It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” Osifo added.
The NLC’s communique reiterated its stance, “The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today. The council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian state without any legal warrant or justification.”
The NLC also demanded the release of Nigerians detained for exercising their rights during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
