The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially reported Nigeria to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) during the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The NLC alleges that the country has violated its obligations under Articles 1, 2, and 4 of Convention No. 98, which guarantees the independence of workers' organizations.
Addressing the Committee on the Application of Standards
NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS), detailing what he described as serial violations of ILO Convention No. 98 in Nigeria. Ajaero lamented that workers and their organizations continue to face persistent violations of the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98). According to him, these violations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of interference, intimidation, violence, and discrimination against workers and their organizations, contrary to the provisions of Convention No. 98.
Urgent Call for Compliance
Ajaero urged the committee to pressure the Nigerian government to comply with the convention and safeguard workers' rights. He told delegates, “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 stated that 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. The mission addressed issues such as pension arrears, non-payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the intimidation and harassment of workers.
Lack of Prosecution
Ajaero expressed concern 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.
Widespread Violations Documented
Highlighting 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. 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' organizations to operate freely and independently. Taken together, 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.
ILO Committee of Experts
Ajaero 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.
Demands for Justice
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.
Fundamental Rights at Stake
“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,” Ajaero concluded.
