Amnesty International condemns raid on NLC headquarters

Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International, condemned the storming of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday night.

Sanusi issued a statement on Thursday describing the raids as a “malicious and premeditated attack” aimed at intimidating the union.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the storming of the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters by armed security personnel. Last night’s horrific raid appears to be part of a vicious and premeditated attack designed to intimidate trade unions,” he said.

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During the raid, security personnel searched the NLC bookstore, seizing materials they claimed were used to incite and organize recent protests. Sanusi expressed deep concern for the safety of NLC officials, saying, “We are very concerned about the safety of NLC officials. Under international human rights law and standards, trade unions cannot be targeted because of the activities they participate in.”

Amnesty International stressed Nigeria’s obligation to uphold and protect trade union rights under international human rights law. “Under international human rights law, Nigeria has an obligation not only to respect trade union rights but also to protect these rights from abuse,” Sanusi added.

The raids have raised concerns about a potential crackdown on labor activism in Nigeria. The NLC, which has recently led protests against government policies, views the raids as an attempt to silence its voice.

Amnesty International condemns raid on NLC headquarters first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.