Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the government of waging a war against the organization following a recent raid on its headquarters by security forces. At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, NLC leaders condemned the police explanation for the invasion and demanded an apology, along with the return of seized items and the release of detained individuals.
The NLC also criticized the government’s alleged interference in the internal affairs of labor unions, particularly a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders, arguing that such actions violate labor laws and international conventions.
The police had claimed that the raid was part of an operation to apprehend an international terrorist suspect. However, the NLC dismissed this explanation as a cover-up, pointing out contradictions in the police account.
In addition to demanding an apology, the NLC reiterated its call for a stakeholders’ conference to address pressing national issues, including hunger, poverty, and insecurity. The organization also urged the government to cease meddling in the affairs of opposition parties and focus on engaging in dialogue with honest Nigerians.
The NLC warned that it would hold the police responsible for any future incidents at its headquarters or any actions against its leaders and members. They highlighted concerns over the government’s efforts to suppress the organization’s voice, particularly regarding its relationship with the Labour Party.
“The Registrar of Trade Unions, acting on orders from above, wrote a letter threatening our relationship with the Labour Party, citing Section 15 sub-sections 2, 3, 4 of the Trade Unions Act,” the NLC stated. “In their bid to suppress our voice, they forgot the provisions of Sections 39 to 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Supreme Court decision on the right of public servants to hold political views, the provisions of the African Charter on People and Human Rights, as well as ILO Conventions 87 and 98.”
The organization also criticized government efforts to reduce the number of years trade unionists can hold office, calling it a “gross interference in the internal running of trade unions in violation of labor law and ILO conventions.”
The NLC clarified that it did not participate in the recent End-Hunger protest and demanded the release of those in custody, including Comrade Opalua Eleojo, a National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) executive who was arrested at a social spot in Abuja.
“We advise the government to stop further acts of intimidation against the Nigeria Labour Congress and indeed against the generality of Nigerians,” the NLC warned.
As tensions escalate between the NLC and the government, the labor organization remains steadfast in its demands for accountability and respect for the rights of its members.