Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has pledged to persist in advocating for improved worker welfare despite recent police questioning. Speaking to NLC members and affiliate unions at the Labour House in Abuja on Thursday, Ajaero affirmed his commitment to the labor movement, even in the face of intimidation.
Ajaero, who had just returned from interrogation over alleged terrorism charges, expressed that the labor movement is a vital and patriotic force in Nigeria. He highlighted the movement’s enduring commitment since the colonial era and under military rule, emphasizing its role as a major national organization.
“The labor movement is worth fighting for,” Ajaero declared. “We are more patriotic than any other organization in the country, and we will continue to be so. Facing such challenges is part of the job, and we will press on.”
He also lamented that neither federal nor state governments have begun implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage, promising that the next phase of the labor movement’s efforts will focus on ensuring its enforcement.
Ajaero concluded by thanking supporters for their solidarity and reaffirming the NLC’s dedication to advancing workers’ rights and welfare, undeterred by attempts to distract or intimidate the union.