Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The incident occurred early Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as Ajaero was preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
His arrest has raised questions about its potential implications for ongoing negotiations between the government and the labour unions, particularly amid the current climate of economic uncertainty and labour unrest.
In response to the arrest, the NLC has yet to release an official statement, but sources within the organization are reportedly preparing to hold an emergency meeting to address the development.
The reason for his arrest remains unclear, though it has sparked widespread concern within the labour community and across the country. Ajaero, known for his strong stance on labour rights and his recent calls for strikes over fuel subsidies and worker welfare, was en route to the UK for scheduled engagements.
The arrest is likely to further strain relations between the Nigerian government and labour unions, which have been at odds over a series of policy issues in recent months. The DSS has not provided details or an official explanation for the arrest at the time of this report.
More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
