The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sounded an alarm following the dramatic arrest of the Chairperson of its Rivers State Council, Comrade Alex Agwanwor. The incident, which has sparked outrage within the labour movement, occurred on the evening of Thursday, 4 December 2025.
Details of the Late-Night Arrest
According to a statement released by the NLC's Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the arrest took place at approximately 9:00 pm. Agwanwor was reportedly taken away by officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Alagbon Station in Lagos. The location of the arrest was the premises of the NLC sub-secretariat in the Yaba area, shortly after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had concluded.
Upah revealed that initial reports from eyewitnesses suggest the police action may be connected to internal disagreements within Agwanwor's union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). This development is particularly concerning for the NLC leadership because the matter had been a topic of discussion earlier that same day.
NLC's Strong Condemnation and Demands
The Congress expressed profound dismay at the police involvement. Upah pointed out that during a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Thursday, it was already agreed that a committee would be formed to resolve the internal NUPENG dispute. This makes the police intervention both premature and unacceptable to the labour centre.
"The Congress is similarly at a loss as to why the police would be used to settle intra-union disputes or disagreements without allowing Congress to resolve them," Upah stated. He further condemned the manner of the arrest, describing it as a blatant violation of established civil protocols.
The NLC accused the police of acting with malicious intent and warned that such actions pose a serious threat to peaceful labour–police relations. The primary demand from the Congress is the immediate and unconditional release of Alex Agwanwor. The NLC sternly warned that using law enforcement to meddle in internal trade union affairs could lead to severe consequences for all parties involved.
Potential Fallout and Next Steps
The arrest has set a tense precedent and raises significant questions about the independence of trade unions in Nigeria. The NLC has made it clear it views this as an overreach and an intimidation tactic. Upah concluded the statement by indicating that further information would be provided as the situation develops.
This incident highlights the fragile dynamics between organised labour and state security agencies. The NLC's forceful response signals that it is prepared to challenge any perceived encroachment on its internal processes and the rights of its leaders.
