Nigeria is facing renewed international scrutiny over its labour environment as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accused the Federal Government of repeated violations of workers’ rights, anti-union practices, and interference in trade union activities. The claims were presented at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, where the NLC called on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to declare Nigeria in breach of Convention No. 98 on collective bargaining.
NLC President Joe Ajaero told the Committee on the Application of Standards that workers in Nigeria continue to face intimidation, discrimination, and violence, arguing that these issues reflect a sustained pattern rather than isolated incidents. He cited disruptions to union activities and alleged suppression of legitimate labour engagements across sectors.
Ajaero also referenced a 2023 incident in Imo State in which he was attacked while leading a union mission, linking it to broader concerns over resistance to collective bargaining enforcement, including unresolved issues around salaries, pensions, and worker welfare agreements. The NLC maintains that these developments are weakening industrial relations and undermining investor confidence in Nigeria’s labour stability.
