Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been released after his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday. He was detained at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. The NLC confirmed his release through an early Tuesday post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The arrest prompted the NLC to issue a strong condemnation, denouncing the detention as an attempt to intimidate and silence the labour movement. They demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release by noon on Monday, asserting that his detention was both unjustified and unwarranted.
In their announcement, the NLC emphasized their ongoing struggle and commitment to their cause, stating, “NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero released from DSS detention. The struggle continues, we can’t be silenced.”
In addition to securing Ajaero’s release, the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) called for the reversal of the recent petrol price increase to N617 per litre and the prompt implementation of the newly signed national minimum wage. The NAC also voiced opposition to the recent rise in electricity tariffs across the country.
Background details reveal that Ajaero’s detention occurred as he was on his way to address the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain. Prior to this, he had complied with a police invitation on August 28, addressing allegations related to criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, and cybercrime. He was subsequently released the next day. On September 5, Ajaero and NLC Secretary General Emmanuel Ugboaja were summoned to discuss charges of criminal intimidation and public peace breaches.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, with a commitment to review the law every three years. This followed extensive negotiations, during which the initial demand was N250,000. However, the implementation of this wage has faced delays. The recent petrol price hike by NNPC Limited, which saw prices increase to as high as N1,100 per litre, has further fueled the NLC’s opposition, particularly as it contradicts agreements made during the minimum wage negotiations.
Written by: Blossom Kugbere.