*Condemns forceful eviction of leaders of RTEAN, NURTWO
nyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has urged the federal government to desist from any action capable of undermining the civil and democratic rights of the Nigerian workers.
The Trade Union Confederation called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to champion the cause of human and workers’ rights in Nigeria.
Regarding the alleged illegal occupation of the premises of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the ITUC demanded a thorough investigation, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions for the police personnel involved in the act.
In apparent show of solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the ITUC said Nigeria was duty-bound to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and the civil rights of its citizens.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Kwasia Adu-Amankwah, the ITUC said it was deeply concerned about the current attempts in Nigeria to undermine and encroach upon the democratic and civic rights of Nigerian workers.
“We have received reliable information from the NLC that the federal government is planning to exert control over trade union organisations and their leadership through various means, including the potential use of coercive and deadly force by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“ITUC-Africa asserts that attempts to weaken trade unions and diminish their influence are counterproductive and directly contravene internationally recognized labor rights and principles.
“Therefore, we call upon the Nigerian government to immediately cease these attacks and engage in constructive dialogue with the labor movement for the betterment of Nigerian workers’ rights and interests and those of the nation as a whole.”
The ITUC said Article 40 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999) explicitly guarantees the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and association.
It also reminded the Nigerian government, especially in its capacity as the current Chair of the ILO Governing Body, of its obligation to uphold and respect its ratified ILO Conventions.
The ITUC said the persistent disregard of the conventions was not only regrettable but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation as a champion of labor rights.
Additionally, the ITUC said that the antagonistic approach towards trade unions undermined their essential role in advancing industrial harmony and productivity. It also contradicts the principles of democratic governance and social dialogue.
“However, regrettably, we have observed these rights being violated. For instance, there are documented instances where the NPF forcibly prevented members and leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from conducting their legitimate activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force’s unwarranted interference and disruption of the NURTW’s operations, as well as its attacks on legitimate leadership, constitute an alarming abuse of power in favour of vested interests.
“We strongly condemn these actions against unarmed and vulnerable workers.Tragically, the federal government’s deployment of a publicly funded institution against Nigerian workers resulted in the violent death of one worker, who was fatally shot by the police.
“We demand a thorough investigation, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions for the police personnel involved in this heinous crime to help combat impunity effectively.
“It is also disheartening to witness the government’s disinformation regarding trade unions in Nigeria, branding them as “enemies of the state” with the aim of tarnishing their reputation.”
