NLC Issues Midnight Ultimatum to DSS Over Ajaero’s Arrest, TUC and Amnesty Condemn FG.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding the release of its President, Joe Ajaero, by midnight on Tuesday. Ajaero was arrested by the DSS at Abuja Airport on Monday while en route to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event.
The arrest has sparked outrage within the labour community, with the NLC convening an emergency meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) on Monday. In a communiqué issued afterward, the NLC condemned Ajaero’s detention as illegal and politically motivated.
Breaking: DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero at Abuja Airport
The union’s statement read, “His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.” The NLC further warned that it has placed all affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and Nigerians on high alert over the “troubling development.” They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero.
Ajaero, who had previously responded to police allegations of terrorism financing in August, has maintained his innocence. His detention has further escalated tensions between the NLC and the Federal Government, as the union also called for a reversal of the current hike in petrol prices to ₦617 per litre.
The NLC argued that the arrest is an attempt to silence dissent and sabotage efforts to implement the new National Minimum Wage. The union has summoned an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for Tuesday morning to strategize on its next steps.
TUC and Amnesty International Condemn Arrest
In solidarity with the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also condemned Ajaero’s arrest, describing it as a violation of his fundamental rights. TUC President Festus Osifo stated, “This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians.”
Osifo urged the government to prioritize dialogue over intimidation and harassment, noting that unions have always championed peaceful negotiations.
Amnesty International Nigeria also joined the chorus of condemnation. In a statement, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, called for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, labeling the arrest as part of a growing crackdown on human rights under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“President Bola Tinubu is setting a new record of impunity,” Sanusi said. He pointed out that Ajaero’s arrest is a violation of international human rights law, which protects the rights of workers to organize and participate in trade union activities. Amnesty International also highlighted Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international treaties, stressing that the government must respect and protect the rights of workers.
Growing Tensions Between Labour and FG
This latest incident has amplified concerns about the state of human rights and civic space in Nigeria. The NLC’s strong stance, coupled with growing discontent over economic policies such as the fuel price hike, suggests that the country may face heightened labour unrest if the situation remains unresolved.
With the NLC’s ultimatum in place, all eyes are now on the government and security agencies to see how they will respond. The arrest of Ajaero has brought to the forefront the strained relationship between the Federal Government and the labour movement, which is now gearing up for what could be a decisive moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle over workers’ rights and economic justice
