NLC PRESIDENT, Joe Ajaero
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has declared that no amount of intimidation, arrests, or harassment will stop organised labour from fighting for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero made the declaration in Oslo, Norway, while receiving the prestigious 2026 Arthur Svensson International Award, a global recognition honouring individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage in defending workers’ rights.
Using the occasion to draw international attention to the challenges facing Nigerian workers, the NLC president accused authorities of using intimidation, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests to weaken labour unions and silence voices demanding better wages and improved living conditions.
According to him, the struggle for workers’ rights in Nigeria has come at a significant personal cost. He recounted years of alleged harassment, including arrests, prolonged interrogations, accusations of cybercrime and treason, and attacks targeted at labour activities.
Despite the challenges, Ajaero insisted that the labour movement remains determined to continue its advocacy until Nigerian workers are freed from poverty, economic hardship, and exploitation.
Speaking during the award ceremony, he described himself as a representative of millions of workers battling daily economic struggles across the country.
“This award is not a trophy but a weapon,” Ajaero said. “It is a reminder that trade union rights are human rights and that international solidarity remains a powerful shield against exploitation.”
He maintained that throughout history, freedom and justice have never been willingly handed over by those in power but have always been achieved through persistent struggle and sacrifice.
The labour leader further alleged that labour activists in Nigeria increasingly face persecution for demanding fair wages and improved working conditions. He claimed that union leaders have been targeted with serious allegations, including terrorism financing and treason, in what he described as attempts to weaken organised labour.
Ajaero also recounted personal experiences, including what he described as the suspicious destruction of his Lagos residence by fire, as well as incidents of abduction, detention, and physical mistreatment linked to labour-related activities.
He alleged that labour leaders have been prevented from attending international engagements, subjected to constant surveillance, and faced disruptions during peaceful industrial actions. He also lamented that many workers have lost their jobs simply for demanding a living wage amid rising inflation and worsening economic conditions.
Despite these experiences, Ajaero expressed confidence in the resilience of workers and labour unions, stressing that solidarity remains their greatest strength.
“They have the jails and the guns, but we have the power to stop the world because we move the world. We create wealth. We are workers,” he declared.
The NLC president noted that every attempt to silence the labour movement only strengthens its resolve, saying that whenever one voice is suppressed, thousands more emerge to continue the struggle.
His remarks transformed the award ceremony into a rallying call for international support and solidarity with Nigerian workers and labour activists.
The Arthur Svensson International Award, named after renowned Norwegian trade unionist Arthur Svensson, is widely regarded as one of the most respected honours in the global labour movement. Ajaero’s recognition has further brought global attention to the challenges facing Nigerian workers while highlighting the determination of organised labour to continue advocating for economic justice and workers’ rights.
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