The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on administrative bail after his arrest on Monday. The arrest, which occurred at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, sparked widespread condemnation and threats of a nationwide strike by the NLC. This action was seen as a potential trigger for severe economic disruption, prompting urgent calls for dialogue from various sectors, including Dr. Muda Yusuf from the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise.
The NLC has yet to officially confirm Ajaero’s release, but his detention had led to heightened tensions, including the National Union of Electricity Employees threatening to shut down the power grid. The NLC’s spokesperson warned of potential broader crackdowns affecting media and civic spaces, linking the arrest to a broader pattern of repression. Additionally, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) reported a raid by DSS operatives on its Abuja office, further fueling concerns about government actions against civil society.