The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun a confidential meeting following the detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government while he was en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ conference.
According to Benson Upah, the Head of Public Relations at NLC, agents of the Nigerian State seized Ajaero without a legal warrant or formal instrument, leaving his whereabouts and health status unknown.
The NLC has condemned the detention as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation” and is demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release. The Congress has also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
Ajaero was scheduled to address the Trade Union Congress in the UK on behalf of Nigerian workers, discussing critical issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
Upah stated that the NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed to protect workers’ rights despite oppressive tactics.
The Congress is currently holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation, with the outcome expected to be made public soon.
