The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has convened an emergency closed-door meeting after the sudden arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was apprehended by Nigerian authorities while traveling to the United Kingdom to attend an international workers’ conference. This development has sparked concerns and condemnation from the labour community and other rights groups.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Public Relations, confirmed the arrest in an interview with Punch on Monday.
According to Upah, Ajaero was taken into custody by state agents without any legal warrant or official document justifying the arrest. The current location and health status of Ajaero remain unknown, raising serious concerns among his colleagues and supporters.
Earlier reports from Empowered NewsWire revealed that the NLC strongly condemned the arrest, labeling it as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation.”
The labour union is demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic values in Nigeria.
In a statement, Upah highlighted the NLC’s call for international bodies, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to monitor the situation closely, pointing out the increasing authoritarian tendencies in Nigeria.
Ajaero was scheduled to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress in the UK, where he planned to discuss key issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic equality.
Upah further stated, “The NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed to protect workers’ rights and not be cowed by oppressive tactics.”
He also confirmed that the ongoing closed-door meeting is aimed at addressing the current crisis, with the outcome expected to be shared publicly soon.
