Amnesty International Issues Strong Reprimand Over NLC Headquarters Assault

The Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, condemned the invasion of the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on Wednesday.

He disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The raid, which occurred on Wednesday night, was described as a “sinister and calculated attack” designed to intimidate the labour union.

He stated, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the brazen invasion of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress by a contingent of armed security personnel. The chilling raid last night appears to be part of a sinister and calculated attack designed to intimidate the labour union.”

During the raid, security personnel ransacked the NLC bookshop, confiscating materials and claiming they were used to incite and organize recent protests.

Sanusi expressed concern about the safety of NLC officials, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the safety of NLC officials. Under international human rights law and standards, trade unions cannot be targeted for their participating activities.”

Amnesty International emphasised that Nigeria has an obligation to respect and protect the rights of trade unions under international human rights law.

Sanusi added, “Under international human rights law, Nigeria has an obligation not only to respect the rights of trade unions but also to protect these rights from abuse.”

The raid on the NLC headquarters has sparked fears of a broader crackdown on labour activism in Nigeria.

The NLC has been at the forefront of recent protests against government policies, and the raid is seen as an attempt to silence the union’s voice.