The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated a closed-door meeting following the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government.
Ajaero was reportedly detained while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ gathering.
This development was confirmed by Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Public Relations, during an interview with *Punch* on Monday.
According to Upah, Ajaero was seized by state agents without a legal warrant or formal documentation, and his current whereabouts and health status remain unknown.
Earlier reports indicated that the NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest, calling it a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation” and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Upah further stated that the NLC has urged the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of what it describes as a rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
Ajaero was expected to address the Trade Union Congress in the UK on behalf of Nigerian workers, focusing on crucial issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
The NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed to protect workers’ rights against oppressive tactics.
The Congress is currently holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation, with the outcome to be made public soon.