The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has entered into a closed-door meeting following the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government.
Ajaero was apprehended without a legal warrant while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ gathering, leaving his current location and health status unknown.
Benson Upah, the Head of Public Relations at the NLC, confirmed the arrest on Monday, condemning the action as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation.”
The NLC is calling for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, labeling the detention a threat to democracy and workers’ rights.
Ajaero was scheduled to speak at the Trade Union Congress in the UK, addressing critical issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness on behalf of Nigerian workers. His sudden detention has raised concerns within the labor community, both locally and internationally.
In response to the incident, the NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert. The Congress has also urged the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to closely monitor what it described as a growing trend of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
The outcome of the ongoing closed-door meeting is expected to determine the NLC’s next course of action, with the organization vowing not to be intimidated by oppressive tactics. The NLC plans to release further details following the meeting.