Amnesty International condemns raid on NLC headquarters

Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, has condemned the invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja, describing it as a “sinister and calculated attack” aimed at intimidating the labor union.

The raid, which occurred on Wednesday night, involved armed security personnel who ransacked the NLC bookshop, seizing materials allegedly used to incite and organize recent protests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Sanusi expressed grave concern for the safety of NLC officials and emphasized that under international human rights law, trade unions must not be targeted for their activities.

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

Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to uphold and protect trade union rights, stressing the country’s obligation 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,” Sanusi added.

The raid has sparked fears of a broader crackdown on labor activism in Nigeria. The NLC, which has been vocal in leading protests against government policies, views the invasion as an attempt to silence dissent.