The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following his arrest earlier on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Ajaero was on his way to the UK for an official engagement when he was detained, sparking widespread outrage and threats of an economic shutdown from the NLC and its affiliates.
Ajaero’s release on administrative bail late Monday night was confirmed by activist Omoyele Sowore via his X account. However, as of the time of reporting, the NLC had not issued an official statement confirming the release.
The NLC had threatened to paralyze the country’s economy if Ajaero was not released by midnight, with affiliate unions, including the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), warning of potential grid shutdowns. The arrest drew sharp condemnation from various groups, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and civil society organizations.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), urged the DSS to engage in dialogue with the NLC, warning that any strike could exacerbate the economic hardship in Nigeria. He called for transparency and adherence to the rule of law in addressing the situation.
Meanwhile, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah expressed concerns that the DSS’s actions could extend to the media and other civil society groups, warning of a broader clampdown on the civic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This follows a raid on the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by DSS operatives.
The situation remains tense as the NLC and its affiliates are on high alert, preparing for possible actions in response to further developments.
