The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has escalated its response following the arrest of its president, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday.
Ajaero was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he was preparing to board a flight to the UK for an official assignment.
In light of the arrest, the NLC has set forth four urgent demands for the federal government:
- Immediate and Unconditional Release: The NLC is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero. The union emphasizes that his detention is a significant breach of his rights and is undermining his role as a leader.
- Implementation of National Minimum Wage: The congress demands the swift implementation of the new national minimum wage. This step is seen as crucial in addressing the current economic hardships faced by workers.
- Reversal of Petrol Price Increase: The NLC is urging the government to revert the recent hike in petrol prices. This demand reflects ongoing concerns over the financial burden placed on Nigerians due to rising fuel costs.
- Rollback of Electricity Tariff Hike: Lastly, the NLC is calling for a reversal of the recent illegal increase in electricity tariffs, which has exacerbated the cost of living for many Nigerians.
The NLC’s demands reflect the growing tension between the labor union and the government, highlighting broader issues of economic hardship and workers’ rights. The NLC’s leadership and members are mobilizing to ensure these issues are addressed promptly.