AFL-CIO Condemns Persecution of Trade Unions in Nigeria

August 13, 2024

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond have issued the following statement:

The AFL-CIO strongly condemns the Aug. 7 raid on the Nigeria Labor Congress' (NLC's) headquarters in Abuja. This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks on trade unions in Nigeria, and another worrying sign that free and democratic activities are in jeopardy in the country. The AFL-CIO calls for a full investigation into the incident and for the property that was taken during the raid to be returned to the NLC without delay.

For decades, the NLC has played a critical role in promoting fundamental freedoms and democratic values through its fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social justice for working people across Nigeria.

Therefore, the AFL-CIO stands in solidarity with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in condemning this action and calls upon the State Department to also condemn this act of terrorism against the NLC immediately.

BACKGROUND: The Aug. 7 raid is the latest incident in a growing pattern of targeted attacks against the NLC. Some background on these incidents can be found herein a letter sent last year from the ITUC to the Nigerian government.