DSS Bows to Pressure as NLC Gears Up for Showdown

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, was granted administrative bail by the Department of State Services (DSS), shortly before the midnight ultimatum set by the NLC. This development followed a tense standoff after Ajaero’s unexpected arrest by the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He had been en route to the United Kingdom for the Trade Union Congress conference in London.

The arrest of Ajaero’s Arrest and Labour Resistance sparked outrage among several political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who all criticized the move. Pro-democracy activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was among the first to announce Ajaero’s release on social media.

NLC Holds Emergency Meeting, Threatens Nationwide Strike

Following the arrest, the NLC convened an emergency meeting in Abuja to address the situation. The congress’s National Administrative Council, represented by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, condemned Ajaero’s detention, calling it “illegal” and “a violation of workers’ rights and democratic values.”

In a strong statement, the NLC declared its readiness to mobilize affiliates and civil society organizations for a nationwide strike, should Ajaero remain detained beyond the set deadline. The council also demanded a reversal of the recent petrol price increase, further escalating tensions between the union and the government.

Political Backlash Against the Government’s Actions

Several prominent political figures and parties raised their voices against Ajaero’s arrest. The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, warned that Nigeria was slipping into dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He called for the government to address pressing issues such as hunger and poverty, rather than targeting individuals critical of its policies.

Similarly, Ladipo Johnson of the NNPP described the arrest as shocking and demanded a clear explanation from the government. The SDP’s Shehu Gabam went further, likening the DSS’s actions to “Gestapo-like operations,” urging the government to exercise caution to avoid further unrest.

Labour Unions and Civil Society Condemn Arrest

Labour organizations across Nigeria condemned the arrest of Ajaero, viewing it as an intimidation tactic. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a statement demanding the unconditional release of the NLC president, while the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) decried the incident as a violation of his fundamental rights.

Civil society groups like the United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFCS) also weighed in, warning that the situation could spark mass resistance if not swiftly addressed. Amnesty International echoed these sentiments, calling the arrest a dangerous escalation in the government’s crackdown on human rights and the labour movement.

The NLC’s Stance on Workers’ Rights and Minimum Wage

As the NLC continues to push back against the government, its stance remains firm: the congress is committed to defending workers’ rights, particularly in light of the recent rise in the cost of living. The labour union has been vocal about the urgent need for a new national minimum wage, emphasizing that workers should not bear the brunt of economic mismanagement.

The congress reiterated its call for the immediate release of Ajaero, underscoring that his detention was an affront to democratic principles. The NLC has placed its affiliates on alert, warning that any further violations of workers’ rights would lead to industrial action.