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The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB) have added their voices to the mounting global criticism against the Nigerian government’s treatment of labour leaders. Concerns have been growing over allegations of harassment and persecution of union leaders in the country.
Previously, several international bodies, including the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Industrial Global Union (IGU), Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, and Public Service International (PSI), had raised alarms about alleged violations of workers’ rights in Nigeria.
The tipping point came after the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joel Ajaero by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was detained on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he was preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom to attend the TUC UK’s annual conference.
In a statement, OATUU’s Secretary General, Arezki Mezhoud, expressed concern over the arrest, saying, “Although the information at our disposal confirmed the release of the Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, the growing trajectory of intimidation and molestation of trade union leaders by the government and its agents must cease.”
Mezhoud urged the Nigerian government to adopt “best-known practices and connotational ways of consultations and dialogue” in resolving conflicts, warning that continued harassment and intimidation could deepen unrest. “As a Pan-African Trade Union Organisation that represents all tendencies and interests of working people in 55 Africa Nations, with over 25 million memberships, we shall continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its defense of workers’ rights and interests,” the statement read.
Echoing similar concerns, DGB’s Secretary, Annika Wünsche, called the arrest of Ajaero “a deeply troubling sign.” She noted that the accusations against him, including “criminal conspiracy” and “terrorism financing,” seem designed to undermine the strength of Nigerian trade unions.
“Joe Ajaero is one of the leading advocates for workers’ rights in Nigeria, and these actions show that the government seeks to suppress legitimate demands for workers’ interests and social reforms,” Wünsche said. She further condemned what she called a “deliberate targeting” of unions, referencing the attack on NLC headquarters by government forces.
“The attacks are not merely attempts at intimidation; they are direct assaults on freedom of expression and the right to organize as an integral part of a free and open society,” she added, stating that such actions are violations of the International Labour Organisation’s conventions that Nigeria has ratified.
DGB urged an end to the repression of trade union activities in Nigeria, asserting, “Opposing or critically commenting on any government policies is the right of any trade union and does not justify arrests, discrimination, or intimidation from any government.”
Both OATUU and DGB have vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely, affirming their solidarity with the NLC and those advocating for workers’ rights in Nigeria.
