Nigeria Labour Congress Taken Over by Armed Forces

CBTU Statement Condemning the Government of Nigeria for Occupying the NLC

On August 7th armed troops occupied the offices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a direct act of aggression against the largest voice for working people in the country. Without a warrant or any documentation justifying the action, armed soldiers who could not be identified, dressed in black, stormed the building. Some were police officers, others are presumed to be from the Department of State Services, but they did not identify themselves or explain their actions. They held captive the security guard on the executive floor while removing stacks of books and documents.

The NLC has been the loudest and strongest voice for working people and against government corruption. This action is a direct assault of the State against the people and their institutions. This is an attack on the voice of all people in Nigeria and sends a direct message to all those demanding equity that they will be met with violence and force.

CBTU has a long and proud history of collaboration and solidarity with the NLC. They are our comrades from the motherland and a staunch ally of ours. We stand in solidarity with all the unions of Nigeria and the NLC specifically. CBTU calls on all unions in the United States to stand against the Nigerian government for this action. We call on our elected leaders to impose sanctions on the Nigerian government until this matter is resolved. Lastly, we call on the Nigerian government to suspend this attack on Labour and instead spend resources on the people and uplifting the nation to further heights.