The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a disturbing slide toward authoritarianism in the country, warning that democratic freedoms are under attack and workers’ rights are being trampled.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 21st Rain School of the NLC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the Federal Government and several state governors for allegedly crushing dissent, weakening democratic institutions, and illegally seizing workers’ contributions.
“Nigeria is on the brink of tyranny! The democratic space — the very arena where citizens, especially the working class, exercise their rights to free speech, assembly, and participation in governance — is under siege,” Ajaero declared.
He said the clampdown on civic freedoms and union activities appears to be a deliberate strategy to silence labour voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Governance has been abandoned for 2027 politicking,” Ajaero stated. “Leaders who should be working to alleviate suffering are instead consumed by power games, leaving workers and ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of economic hardship and mounting insecurity — all imposed by their policies.”
The NLC president described the seizure of workers’ funds as “stealing workers’ sweat,” and called on civil society and the international community to monitor Nigeria’s democratic health closely.
The 21st Rain School — a flagship capacity-building programme of the NLC — brings together labour leaders and activists from across the country to discuss critical issues affecting workers and the state of the nation.
More details to follow.
