Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, has called for an immediate end to what he described as the growing intimidation, arrests, and state-backed assaults on labour leaders across Africa, warning that the trend threatens democracy and the continent’s ability to deliver quality public services.
Ajaero made the call recently while delivering a solidarity message at the 14th Public Services International Africa and Arab Countries Regional Conference in Accra. He said labour movements across the continent were increasingly being targeted through state violence, union interference, and politically motivated clampdowns.
“The increasing use of state violence as an instrument of engagement in industrial relations is class war waged from above,” Ajaero said in a statement. “We have seen forceful occupation of union offices, state capture of union leadership, and the brazen insistence of governments to anoint who leads workers.”
He cited incidents in Nigeria, including the invasion of NLC offices, arrests of union leaders, and attempts to impose government-favoured officials. He also referenced the “hijack of labour centres” in Guinea-Bissau, warning that such actions violate workers’ rights and undermine democratic governance.
According to him, the rising hostility against trade union leaders coincides with worsening economic pressures faced by workers across the continent, driven by neoliberal policies he said were deepening poverty even among those in regular employment.
“Under the crushing weight of neoliberalism, the African worker is caught in a paradox: the harder we work, the deeper we sink into the quicksand of poverty,” he told delegates. “Work, which should bring dignity and emancipation, has become a trap that condemns many to perpetual want.”
The labour leader said the erosion of dignity in work is made worse by poor wages, salary arrears, unsafe working environments, and the growing insecurity that forces teachers, nurses, and other public servants to risk their lives while performing essential duties.
He argued that quality public services cannot exist where workers are treated as “dregs and flotsam of society”, adding that governments must prioritise fair compensation and respect for labour rights if they expect improved service delivery.
Ajaero acknowledged the solidarity shown by PSI affiliates when Nigerian authorities arrested and detained NLC officials earlier in the year, saying the global outcry helped force the government to withdraw what he called “oppressive” actions.
He urged labour movements across Africa and the Arab region to adopt a coordinated strategy to push back against attempts by governments and corporations to weaken union structures and silence dissent.
“This conference must be a turning point,” he said. “We must interrogate every framework and policy that subjugates rather than liberates the African worker. Our duty is to build a movement resilient enough to withstand the present and future onslaughts of neoliberalism.”
Ajaero also called for stronger engagement through the International Labour Organization, the African Union, and other multilateral bodies to hold governments and companies accountable for rights violations.
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the global labour community. “Nigerian workers, through the NLC, extend a hand of unwavering solidarity. Let us leave Accra with a renewed pact to fight together, win together, and build a continent where work brings dignity and public service truly serves the public.”
