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NLC Says Nigeria Is Moving Closer to a Government That Controls Too Much

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

NLC Says Nigeria Is Moving Closer to a Government That Controls Too Much

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has raised the alarm that the country is veering dangerously toward authoritarian governance as democratic freedoms are increasingly restricted and workers’ rights face relentless attacks.

Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, issued this warning during the opening of the 21st Rain School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He described the nation as being on the verge of despotic rule.

This year’s Rain School, themed “Labour and Human Rights in a Shrinking Democratic Space,” highlighted the erosion of democratic rights for citizens, particularly workers, who are being denied fundamental freedoms such as free speech, assembly, and political participation.

Ajaero emphasized that the intensifying crackdown on civil liberties and union activities is a deliberate strategy to suppress the voices of workers ahead of the 2027 general elections. He accused both the federal government and state governors of deliberately stifling dissent, undermining democratic institutions, and unlawfully appropriating workers’ contributions, which he termed as exploitation of workers’ hard-earned resources.

Efforts to get comments from the Presidency went unanswered, with key advisers unavailable to respond to calls and messages. Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Lateef Shittu, did not respond to requests for comments on the allegations against governors.

The NLC leader further lamented, “Governance has been abandoned in favor of politicking for 2027. Those in leadership, who should focus on alleviating the hardships of citizens, are instead preoccupied with power struggles. As a result, workers and everyday Nigerians are left to bear the consequences of worsening economic difficulties and insecurity, outcomes of their failed policies.”

He added that such neglect would be politically fatal in a vibrant democracy, where leaders would be held accountable through active public engagement.

Ajaero pointed out that Nigeria currently ranks among the worst countries globally in terms of workers’ rights violations. He explained the strong connection between human rights abuses and the state of democracy: as democratic freedoms narrow, violations increase.

“This shrinking democratic space is a direct threat to workers, the general populace, and the nation as a whole,” he said.

NLC Criticizes Edo Governor’s Attacks on Peter Obi

The labour leader also condemned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his derogatory remarks against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Ajaero accused the governor of factionalizing the NLC in Edo State to favor loyalists.

He warned that such threats toward opposition figures reflect a deeper erosion of democratic protections, with serious implications for workers. “Governor Okpebholo’s actions—ranging from attempts to infiltrate the NLC Secretariat to creating rival union factions—show blatant disregard for democratic principles and a fear of the very process that brought him to power,” Ajaero said.

He stressed that the right to organize, whether through unions, civil society groups, or political parties, is fundamental to democracy. When governors dictate who can speak or gather, they are not just silencing dissent but challenging the very essence of collective action.

For the NLC, defending this democratic space is critical to protecting workers’ rights. Allowing these infringements to continue unchallenged risks normalizing selective denial of constitutional freedoms. The NLC vowed to stand firm for all Nigerians who seek to participate freely in governance.

Tensions Rise Between NLC and NSITF

Recent reports reveal escalating conflict between the NLC and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over disputed land allocated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. NSITF claims to have misplaced the land documents, while the NLC insists the agency lacks proper understanding of land allocation procedures.

During the Rain School event, Ajaero accused the federal government of using NSITF as a tool to displace the NLC from its national headquarters. He described this as an attempt to silence the workers’ collective voice.

“This is not just a property dispute; it is an assault on the voice of Nigerian workers,” he declared. “It is a calculated move by anti-worker forces to weaken our movement ahead of the 2027 elections. But like previous attempts, this will fail through our unity and vigilance.”

He underscored that the NLC represents not just a building or organization but the spirit and strength of millions of workers nationwide. He called for renewed efforts to organize and mobilize workers politically, warning against passive observation as politicians plot for power.

“We must rethink how we engage politically to protect our rights and future,” Ajaero concluded.