The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the arrest of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Security (DSS). The TUC stated that the arrest sets a dangerous precedent for the labor movement in Nigeria.
Festus Osifo, the President of the TUC, in a statement, demanded the immediate release of the NLC leader. “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has received with grave concern the news of the arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) earlier today. This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society,” Osifo said.
He added, “Congress firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labor movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.”
The TUC also urged the government to “respect the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives,” emphasizing that the labor movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations. “We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” the statement read.
The Daily Post earlier reported that Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday. Following this, the NLC convened an emergency meeting, asking affiliated unions to be on red alert for nationwide strikes and protests.
Ajaero’s arrest comes weeks after he was summoned by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning over alleged terrorism financing.
