The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is sliding dangerously toward authoritarian rule, as the country’s democratic space continues to shrink and workers’ rights come under sustained assault.
Specifically, NLC accused the Federal Government and state governors of systematically crushing dissent, weakening democratic institutions, and illegally seizing workers’ contributions, which it described as “stealing workers’ sweat.”
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the 21st Rain School of the NLC, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, described the ongoing clampdown on civic freedoms and union activities as a calculated effort to silence the voices of Nigerian workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
