Expressing disapproval, the Trade Union Congress United Kingdom has condemned the incidents of police harassment, attacks, and intimidation against trade unions in Nigeria.
A recent statement by the TUC raised alarm over the continued persecution faced by Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress.
Ajaero was recently summoned by the police in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and terrorism financing, following his arrest and assault by law enforcement in November.
Earlier this month, heavily armed security personnel carried out a raid on and occupied the headquarters of the NLC.
The UK TUC highlighted, “This infringement on the NLC’s right to function without intimidation is part of a broader pattern of hostility exhibited by the Nigerian government towards the NLC and its affiliate unions, SSANU and NASU.
“Peaceful protests and legitimate trade union activities have reportedly been disrupted through legal injunctions, military intervention, and police intimidation. The government has also been accused of interfering in the internal democratic processes of trade unions, contravening international obligations,” the UK TUC emphasized.
Quoting the International Labour Organisation Conventions, the UK TUC pointed out the prohibition against governmental or employer intrusion on union independence.
The raid on the NLC headquarters and the continuous harassment of its president occurred following an emergency meeting convened by the organization to address the well-being of Nigerian workers during the #EndBadGovernance protests, triggered by the country’s mounting cost of living crisis.
The union called on the UK government to urge the Nigerian Federal Government to halt the violent crackdown and intimidation of trade unions, ensuring their free and fearless operation.
Instead of targeting unions, the UK TUC advocated engagement with them in social dialogue to tackle the ongoing cost-of-living challenges, addressing the underlying causes of unrest: hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies,” the UK TUC asserted.
The TUC demanded an end to the criminalization of peaceful demonstrations and the cessation of harassment against dissenting voices.
“All individuals detained in connection with the protests should be released unconditionally, an apology issued for the intrusion on union premises, and all confiscated items returned,” the TUC emphasized.
Additionally, the UK TUC reiterated its unwavering support for the NLC, urging the Nigerian government to adhere to the fundamental conventions of the ILO, particularly those safeguarding freedom of association and the right to organize.