The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, threatening a nationwide strike if its President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested or detained. The union’s ultimatum comes amidst growing tensions between the government and labor unions over various economic and social issues.
In a statement released to the media, NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, expressed the union’s deep concern over the possibility of Ajaero being targeted by the authorities. He emphasized that any attempt to curtail Ajaero’s freedom would be seen as a direct attack on the labor movement and the rights of Nigerian workers.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that the NLC will not tolerate any form of intimidation or harassment of our President,” Ugboaja said. If Ajaero is arrested or detained, we will have no choice but to mobilize our members across the country for an indefinite strike.”
The NLC’s threat comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is already facing significant challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and rising insecurity. A nationwide strike would have a devastating impact on the country’s productivity and could further exacerbate these problems.
The union has accused the government of failing to address the concerns of Nigerian workers, particularly in relation to the recent increase in fuel prices and the devaluation of the naira. The NLC has also criticized the government’s handling of the ongoing negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has resulted in a prolonged strike by university lecturers.
In response to the NLC’s threat, the Nigerian government has not yet issued a statement. However, some government officials have suggested that the union’s rhetoric is excessive and that there is no imminent threat to Ajaero’s safety.
The NLC’s warning has raised concerns about the potential for further social unrest in Nigeria. The country has a history of labor strikes and protests, and there is a fear that the current tensions could escalate into widespread violence.
