Joe Ajaero, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport but later released. The NLC condemned the arrest as an attack on workers' rights. Ajaero’s release was confirmed, with the NLC vowing to continue its fight.
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was released from custody after being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) for several hours. Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, as he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement with the UK's Trade Union Congress (TUC).
His detention sparked outrage, with the NLC calling it an "assault on Nigerian workers" and demanding his immediate release. The NLC issued a statement insisting that Ajaero be freed before midnight. After an emergency meeting, the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC reiterated its stance, condemning the arrest as an act of intimidation.
The NLC took to social media on Tuesday to announce Ajaero's release, declaring, "The struggle continues, we can’t be silenced." This incident adds to rising tensions between labor unions and the Nigerian government, with the NLC expressing frustration over persistent attacks on workers' rights.
