NLC CALLS ON COURTS TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM EXPLOITATION

Workers’ rights are human rights—courts must act!

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the judiciary to shield employees from workplace exploitation, citing rising injustices and power imbalances with employers. NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal at the 4th International Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum in Abuja.

Ajaero stressed that labour justice isn’t charity—it’s a fundamental right. He warned that ignoring the unequal power between workers and employers could legalise unfair dismissals and criminalise legitimate strikes. He also urged courts to uphold ILO standards, protect the right to strike, and ensure that litigation doesn’t discourage workers from defending their rights.

The forum, organised by NECA, focused on “Access to Labour Justice in a Rapidly Changing World of Work,” highlighting challenges like gig jobs, precarious employment, and union-busting.