The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has strongly condemned the Nigerian government’s ongoing harassment and persecution of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
ITUC-Africa’s condemnation follows the unlawful detention of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by Nigerian security agents.
In a statement by ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, the African trade union body described Ajaero’s detention as an alarming violation of human rights, carried out without any legal basis.
The statement highlighted that efforts to locate Comrade Ajaero and determine his health status have been met with complete silence from Nigerian authorities, adding to the growing concern for his well-being. ITUC-Africa emphasized that Comrade Ajaero has not been charged with any crime and no warrant for his arrest has been issued by any court. Additionally, there is no judicial restriction preventing him from traveling outside Nigeria.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued hounding and unjust treatment of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian state and its security apparatus,” ITUC-Africa stated. “Comrade Ajaero is a respected trade union leader and advocate for workers’ rights, not a flight risk, and yet he is being treated in an uncivil manner.”
ITUC-Africa further view the incident as part of a larger pattern of state-led persecution and repression of trade union leaders in Nigeria. The organization condemned the Nigerian government’s increasing use of detention, intimidation, and incommunicado tactics against union leaders without due legal process.
The statement further argue that these actions are meant to silence dissent, particularly as Nigerian workers continue to suffer from the economic failures of the government’s policies.
“These actions constitute serious violations of internationally recognized human and trade union rights, including the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” ITUC-Africa warned. “The Nigerian government’s blatant disregard for these rights threatens the fabric of democracy and undermines social justice.”
The organization further reminded the Nigerian government of the sacrifices made by the country’s trade union leaders to safeguard democracy. They urged the authorities to stop victimizing union leaders for their role in protecting workers’ rights.
ITUC-Africa called for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Ajaero, as well as a full apology and compensation for his unlawful detention. The organization also demanded that the Nigerian government guarantee Ajaero’s physical safety and halt further harassment of him and other trade union leaders.
“We reject any attempt to criminalize trade union activities or force censorship upon Nigerian labour leaders,” the statement added. “This repression will not suppress the legitimate struggle for workers’ rights.”
In its call to action, ITUC-Africa urged the international community, including global trade unions, human rights organizations, and governments, to stand in solidarity with Nigerian workers and pressure the Nigerian government to respect workers’ rights.
ITUC-Africa also expressed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and updating its affiliates and the international community as needed.
