Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the organization has taken proactive measures to ensure the security and integrity of its national secretariat in Abuja. Following a controversial police raid that occurred on July 19, 2024, the NLC has enlisted the services of forensic experts to conduct a comprehensive security audit of its premises. This decision aims to identify any surveillance devices that may have been secretly installed by law enforcement during the raid.
The police operation, which was executed under the cover of night, has raised serious concerns and prompted the union to take immediate action. According to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the raid began around 8:30 PM, when armed security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and individuals dressed in plain clothes, entered the building. The operatives reportedly apprehended the security guards on duty and compelled them to provide access to the offices located on the second floor.
The police later justified their actions, claiming that the raid was part of an effort to uncover incriminating documents linked to an international figure deemed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by the NLC, which has since rejected the police’s rationale and called for the immediate release of their detained members along with any seized documents.
In a statement, Chris Onyeka, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, highlighted the organization’s decision to hire foreign forensic experts to examine their headquarters for potential bugs or listening devices that could have been planted during the police’s incursion. He remarked, “The police stormed and raided NLC’s headquarters and carted away documents. In our National Executive Council meeting, we deliberated and agreed that a forensic security audit was necessary to ensure the safety of our members and the integrity of our operations.”
Onyeka further emphasized the need for thorough security checks before the NLC employees resume work in their offices. The involvement of international experts signals the seriousness with which the NLC is treating this situation, aiming to safeguard against any unauthorized surveillance that may compromise their activities.
The NLC’s leadership has also expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s lack of accountability regarding the raid. During their recent council meeting, they demanded an official apology from both the federal government and the police, a request that has not yet been fulfilled.
As the NLC moves forward with the forensic audit, the organization remains focused on protecting its members and ensuring that their operations can continue without interference. The outcome of this situation may have broader implications for labor organizations and their interactions with law enforcement in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing tensions between state authorities and civil society groups.
In the wake of these events, the NLC continues to call for transparency and respect for the rights of labor organizations, reinforcing its commitment to advocate for workers’ interests and uphold democratic principles in the face of challenges.
