Ajaero Recounts Arrest, Harassment Before Global Audience As He Receives Prestigious Labour Rights Award In Norway

Ajaero Recounts Arrest, Harassment Before Global Audience as He Receives Prestigious Labour Rights Award in NorwayPresident of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Joe Ajaero, has used an international platform in Norway to recount what he described as years of arrest, harassment, intimidation and persecution by Nigerian authorities while defending workers’ rights. Ajaero spoke while receiving the 2026 Arthur Svensson International Award, a prestigious global honour presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment in advancing workers’ rights and trade union freedoms. The labour leader became the first Nigerian trade unionist to receive the award, which is named after renowned Norwegian labour activist Arthur Svensson. Addressing labour leaders, international union representatives and trustees of the Arthur Svensson Foundation in Oslo, Ajaero alleged that his advocacy for Nigerian workers had repeatedly made him a target of state authorities. He said he had been treated “like a common criminal” and subjected to investigations over allegations including terrorism financing, cybercrime and criminal conspiracy, claims he strongly denied. According to Ajaero, defending workers’ rights in Nigeria has increasingly attracted official hostility. He told the audience that demands for a living wage and improved working conditions had often been met with intimidation rather than dialogue, adding that labour leaders frequently face pressure for challenging policies they consider harmful to workers. The NLC president recalled a series of incidents that he said marked a difficult period for the labour movement. He claimed that his Lagos residence was destroyed by a mysterious fire in 2023, resulting in the loss of his personal belongings. He also alleged that he was abducted, detained and brutalised while pursuing the implementation of agreements intended to protect workers’ interests. Ajaero further recounted being stopped and arrested while travelling to the United Kingdom for a Trade Union Congress conference. According to him, the action was aimed at preventing him from informing the international community about challenges facing organised labour in Nigeria. He also alleged that he had been subjected to repeated questioning by security agencies and placed under surveillance. Despite the experiences he described, Ajaero said the award represented recognition not of his personal achievements but of the struggles of millions of Nigerian workers. He dedicated the honour to workers who have faced victimisation, dismissals, arrests and other forms of hardship while advocating for better conditions and labour rights. The Arthur Svensson International Award was established to recognise individuals and organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to defending workers’ rights globally. Earlier this year, international labour organisations cited Ajaero’s role in promoting trade union freedoms and resisting what they described as anti-worker policies as reasons for selecting him as the 2026 laureate.During his acceptance speech, Ajaero urged workers to remain united in pursuing social justice and economic fairness. He also criticised multinational corporations, international financial institutions and political actors whom he accused of contributing to the challenges faced by workers in developing countries. The labour leader maintained that the award would strengthen, rather than diminish, the resolve of organised labour to continue advocating for workers’ welfare. He described the recognition as a symbol of international solidarity with Nigerian workers and a reminder that labour struggles in the country are receiving increasing global attention.