Amnesty International (AI) has criticized the Nigerian federal government for its actions against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its leaders, describing them as attempts to undermine organized labor. In a statement released on Thursday, AI denounced the recent invitation of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the police and the allegations of terrorism against some labor leaders.
AI emphasized that the Nigerian authorities’ actions represent a blatant disregard for the rights of labor unions to challenge or support government policies. The organization called for an end to what it termed as “brazen impunity” and urged the government to respect the rights of workers to engage in trade union activities without fear of repression.
The statement highlighted that under international human rights law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, freedom of association is a fundamental right, and workers should not be targeted for participating in union activities. AI also expressed concern about the Nigerian government’s increasing attempts to silence the NLC through various forms of harassment and intimidation.
Amnesty International recounted previous incidents of abuse, including an assault on Ajaero by police and thugs in November last year and a recent raid on the NLC headquarters. The organization criticized these actions as attempts to discredit and cripple the labor union’s activities, warning that such measures are counterproductive and unjust.
AI urged the federal government to halt its crackdown on NLC leaders and to cease the baseless accusations aimed at deterring the union from advocating for workers’ rights.