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Solidarity with unions under attack in Nigeria

The TUC condemns the police harassment, attacks and intimidation of trade unions in Nigeria and of the TUC’s sister centre the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The TUC notes with deep concern the ongoing persecution of the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero. This week the President was summoned by the police on trumped up charges of “criminal conspiracy” and “terrorism financing”. This follows President Ajaero's arrest and assault by the police last November.

Earlier this month heavily armed security forces raided and occupied the headquarters of the NLC, causing considerable damage to the building and arresting a union official.

This violation of the NLC’s right to operate free from intimidation follows a sustained period of hostility from the Nigerian government towards the NLC and its affiliated unions SSANU and NASU. The NLC reports that peaceful protests and lawful trade union activities have been obstructed by legal injunctions, military force, and police harassment. The government has also attempted to interfere with the internal, democratic governance of trade unions, in defiance of international obligations.

International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions forbid governments or employers from interference in the independence of unions.

The raid on the NLC and continued harassment of its President comes as the organisation held an emergency meeting to discuss the welfare of Nigerian workers amidst the ongoing, peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests sparked by the country’s cost of living crisis. 13 protesters have been killed as the government seeks to crush the protests, and several labour leaders remain in detention.

The TUC urges the UK government to call on the government of Nigeria to end the violent repression and intimidation of trade unions and ensure that trade unions in Nigeria can operate freely without fear.

Instead of attacking unions, the Nigerian government should engage with them in social dialogue to find ways to end the cost-of-living crisis and, as the NLC put it: “chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest - hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies”. It should also:

· End its criminalisation of peaceful protest and end harassment of its opponents

· Immediately, and unconditionally, release all those held in connection with the protests

· Apologise for the invasion of union premises and return all items taken

The TUC stands with the NLC in calling on the Nigerian government to respect the ILO’s fundamental conventions, particularly those on freedom of association and the right to organise. We are proud to welcome President Ajaero to our Congress in Brighton next month.

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