The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a red alert to its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian public, warning of potential action if the Federal Government does not release its President, Joe Ajaero, by midnight yesterday.
During an emergency meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) last night, the NLC announced that it would convene its National Executive Council (NEC) this morning to decide on the next steps regarding Ajaero’s arrest.
The Congress is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero, condemning his detention as an act of intimidation aimed at silencing the labour movement in Nigeria. Additionally, the NLC is calling for the reversal of the current fuel price hike to ₦617 per litre, which it sees as an attempt to undermine the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
In a communiqué signed by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale, the organization condemned Ajaero’s detention as illegal, noting that he was fulfilling his duties as a representative of Nigerian workers and had not committed any crime justifying such action. The communiqué stated, “The NLC demands his immediate and unconditional release before 12 midnight today. The detention of Ajaero is an affront to workers’ rights and democratic principles.”
Ajaero was detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. The NLC decried his arrest as a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to stifle dissent.
The Congress also urged international human rights organizations to take note of the situation, while calling on its affiliates, civil society organizations, and Nigerians to stay alert.
The Lagos State chapter of the NLC accused the Federal Government of attempting to suppress the voice of Nigerian workers, describing Ajaero’s arrest as a witch-hunt against labour leaders. The chapter’s chairman, Funmi Sessi, criticized the DSS for not following proper procedures, stating that the arrest reflects a broader effort to discredit organized labour.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also condemned Ajaero’s arrest, calling it unjust and demanding his immediate release. TUC President Festus Osifo stressed that the arrest violates fundamental democratic rights and sets a dangerous precedent for the labour movement.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautioned the Federal Government over the arrest, urging it to address the country’s challenges to prevent further protests. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the government should focus on the welfare and security of citizens instead of suppressing dissent.
In a related development, the United Action Front of Civil Society criticized the DSS for its heavy-handed tactics, calling Ajaero’s arrest a “needless show of force” and warning that it could lead to national unrest. The coalition urged immediate national consultations to address the growing repression of civil and democratic spaces in Nigeria.
