JUST IN: NLC Reacts to Ajaero’s Arrest, Holds Emergency Meeting

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has convened an emergency closed-door meeting following the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by security forces.

The NLC’s Head of Public Relations, Benson Upah, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday. He stated that the outcome of the meeting will be communicated to the public once concluded.

Ajaero’s arrest, according to Upah, was carried out without any legal warrant, and his current location and health status remain unknown.

The NLC president was scheduled to address the global gathering of workers at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK before his sudden detention, sparking concerns among union members and civil society groups.

Upah described Ajaero’s detention as an “act of lawlessness and intimidation,” stressing that the labour leader had not been declared wanted by any law enforcement agency. He also condemned the move as an attempt by the Nigerian government to silence dissenting voices in light of ongoing economic hardships faced by the population.

“This is a brazen attack on democracy and a violation of fundamental human rights,” Upah said. “The government’s actions only highlight the growing repression in the country, as citizens are increasingly denied the right to express their views and engage in lawful activities.”

The NLC has called on all affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and concerned Nigerians to remain vigilant. They are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero.

The labour union’s leadership is expected to announce its next course of action once the closed-door discussions conclude.

This arrest has intensified tensions between labour unions and the government, coming at a time when workers have been vocal about the adverse effects of current economic policies on the Nigerian population.