NLC President Warns Against Using Courts to Suppress Workers’ Rights!

NLC President Warns Against Using Courts to Suppress Workers’ Rights!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has raised alarm over the growing trend of using court orders and judicial processes to undermine the constitutional rights of Nigerian workers.

What He Said

• Speaking at a labour summit in Abuja, Ajaero criticised what he described as “abuse of judicial instruments” to gag unions and block industrial actions.
• He warned that using courts to frustrate peaceful protests and strikes undermines democracy and violates international labour conventions.
• “The courtroom must not become a tool to silence the voices of working people. Dialogue and negotiation, not litigation, should guide industrial relations,” he said.

Context

• His comments follow recent ex parte court orders issued to restrain labour unions from going on strike, including in disputes over fuel subsidy removal, wage reviews, and electricity tariff hikes.
• The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have repeatedly accused the government of bad faith in negotiations and resorting to legal threats.

Why It Matters

• The NLC is Nigeria’s largest labour body, and tensions with the government could trigger national strikes.
• The warning underscores ongoing friction between labour and state institutions over civil liberties and workers’ welfare.

Citations

1. Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com
2. Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com
3. Punch News – https://punchng.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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