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Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared that efforts to intimidate or silence organized labour will not succeed, reaffirming his resolve amidst growing tensions between labour unions and the government.

Ajaero made this statement in response to recent actions by security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), who have heightened their scrutiny of him.

Despite the increasing pressure, the labour leader confirmed his intention to honour a police invitation on Wednesday, September 25, signaling his continued commitment to the labour cause.

Speaking to workers and union officials in Lagos, Ajaero recalled his recent arrest and detention, which he described as a clear attempt by the state to suppress the labour movement.

“They hoped to find wrongdoing, but we have kept faith alive. We must all do the same,” he urged, encouraging workers to remain steadfast in the face of what he termed intimidation tactics.

“On August 29, we honoured the summons of the state to answer to some allegations and on the 25th of this month, we shall honour another one, this time at the police headquarters in Abuja.

“Let me say the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves.

”Our hands, must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they will;, they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have seen it firsthand.

“As we, therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember they can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit.

”They can throw every obstacle on our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.”

He expressed NLC’s gratitude to all the international organizations, particularly those within the global trade union family, who stood in unwavering solidarity with the labout movement during its recent challenges.

“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International, PSI, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all the patriotic Nigerians.

“Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its“leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero said.