The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has strongly condemned the ongoing harassment, intimidation, and attacks on trade unions in Nigeria, particularly targeting the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its President, Joe Ajaero.
In a recent statement, the UK TUC expressed deep concern over the continuous persecution of Ajaero, who was recently summoned by the Nigerian police on allegations of criminal conspiracy and terrorism financing. This follows his previous arrest and assault by police in November.
The situation escalated earlier this month when heavily armed security personnel raided and occupied the headquarters of the NLC. The UK TUC described this as a blatant violation of the NLC’s right to operate without intimidation, marking a period of sustained hostility from the Nigerian government toward the NLC and its affiliated unions, including SSANU and NASU.
The UK TUC further highlighted reports from the NLC indicating that peaceful protests and lawful trade union activities have been obstructed by legal injunctions, military force, and police harassment. Additionally, the Nigerian government has been accused of attempting to interfere with the internal democratic governance of trade unions, which is a violation of international obligations.
Citing International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, the UK TUC reminded the Nigerian government that it is forbidden for governments or employers to interfere with the independence of unions. The recent police raid and continued harassment of the NLC President followed an emergency meeting by the NLC to address the welfare of Nigerian workers amidst the #EndBadGovernance protests, which were sparked by the country’s high cost of living crisis.
The UK TUC has urged the UK government to pressure the Nigerian Federal Government to cease its violent repression and intimidation of trade unions, ensuring that they can operate freely without fear. It called for an end to the criminalization of peaceful protests, the release of all individuals detained in connection with the protests, and the return of all confiscated items from the NLC headquarters.
The UK TUC also stressed the need for the Nigerian government to engage in social dialogue with unions to address the root causes of the current unrest, including hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. Reaffirming its commitment to supporting the NLC, the UK TUC urged the Nigerian government to uphold the ILO’s fundamental conventions, particularly those concerning freedom of association and the right to organize.
