…Says Ajaero’s attackers yet to be prosecuted

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reported Nigeria to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, alleging that the country is in breach of its obligations under Articles 1, 2 and 4 of Convention No. 98, which guarantees the independence of workers’ organisations.
  Addressing the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) on what he described as serial violations of ILO Convention No. 98 in Nigeria, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, lamented that workers and their organisations continue to face persistent violations of the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).

  According to him, the violations are not isolated incidents but form part of a broader pattern of interference, intimidation, violence and discrimination against workers and their organisations, contrary to the provisions of Convention No. 98.
  Urging the committee to pressure the Nigerian government to comply with the convention and safeguard workers’ rights, Ajaero told delegates that, “What is happening in Nigeria is a cancer that has become malignant, with pustules everywhere—in Edo, Rivers and Lagos—and it is growing.”

  Recalling his ordeal in November 2023, Ajaero said he was violently attacked and seriously injured while leading a legitimate trade union mission in Imo State aimed at securing the implementation of a duly negotiated 2021 collective agreement.
  He explained that the mission addressed issues such as pension arrears, non-payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the intimidation and harassment of workers.

  Ajaero, however, raised concerns that nearly three years after the incident, no effective investigation or prosecution has taken place despite assurances from authorities.
  “Such impunity sends a chilling message to workers and trade union representatives throughout Nigeria and undermines the protection guaranteed under Article 1 of Convention No. 98,” he said.

  He further alleged that trade union leaders in Osun State were recently shown graphic images of his battered and bleeding body by state agents as a warning of what could happen to them if they proceeded with legitimate industrial actions.
  Highlighting what he described as widespread violations of workers’ rights across several states, Ajaero said the incidents form part of a broader pattern documented by the NLC and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) over the years.

  According to him, these violations include intimidation, harassment and physical attacks on trade union leaders; interference in internal union elections and leadership structures; excessive deployment of security forces during lawful industrial actions; and restrictions on the ability of workers’ organisations to operate freely and independently.
  Taken together, he argued, these actions constitute violations of Articles 1 and 2 of Convention No. 98 and undermine the obligations set out under Article 4, which promotes genuine collective bargaining.

  Ajaero also informed the committee that the ILO’s Committee of Experts had repeatedly sought information from the Nigerian government regarding the allegations but had not received adequate responses or evidence of effective remedial action.
  “As it stands, internal mechanisms for redress have failed, necessitating external intervention,” he said.

  He therefore urged the committee to call on the Nigerian government to end the alleged occupation of the NLC Secretariat in Edo State and restore full control of the premises to the congress.
  He also called for an end to all forms of interference in the internal affairs of trade unions and urged authorities to engage only with the legitimate leadership of the NLC in the state.

  The NLC president further demanded respect for court decisions relating to trade union leadership disputes, including those involving the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and called for guarantees for the safety and protection of trade union leaders and members.
  He also urged the government to conduct independent investigations into acts of anti-union violence and intimidation, and to establish a clear timetable for labour law reforms necessary to ensure full compliance with Convention No. 98.

  “Chairperson, the issue before this Committee is not merely one of labour relations. It concerns the fundamental right of workers to organise freely, choose their representatives independently and bargain collectively without fear, interference or violence. Those rights are guaranteed by Convention No. 98,” he said.