President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has vowed that arrests, intimidation, harassment and state repression will not deter the labour movement from its fight for workers’ rights, economic justice and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Ajaero made the declaration in Oslo, Norway, while receiving the 2026 Arthur Svensson International Award, one of the world's most prestigious honours for labour activists and trade union leaders.

The NLC president accused the Nigerian government of deploying intimidation, surveillance, arrests and other coercive measures in a bid to suppress organised labour and silence workers advocating for better wages and welfare.

Reflecting on his experiences, Ajaero recounted what he described as years of persecution, including detention, repeated interrogations, allegations of cybercrime and treason, surveillance and attacks on labour activities.

He maintained that despite these challenges, the labour movement would remain steadfast in its struggle until Nigerian workers are liberated from poverty, exploitation and oppression.

“I stand before you today not as a man, but as a symbol of millions of Nigerian workers who wake up every morning not only to economic hardship but also to a system that continues to undermine their dignity and welfare,” Ajaero said.

Receiving the award, he described it as more than a personal honour, saying it represents international solidarity with workers fighting for justice around the world.

“I receive this Arthur Svensson International Award not as a trophy, but as a weapon in the struggle for workers’ rights and human dignity,” he added.

The labour leader lamented the economic situation in Nigeria, arguing that workers demanding a living wage have increasingly become targets of state institutions.

“In Nigeria today, demanding a living wage can make you a target. Asking that workers should not go hungry in a resource-rich country is often treated as an act of opposition,” he said.

Ajaero further alleged that he had been subjected to arrests, investigations and accusations ranging from cybercrime to treason because of his role in labour advocacy.

He also recalled incidents including the destruction of his Lagos residence by fire, his detention over labour-related disputes, and what he described as attempts to prevent him from attending international labour engagements.

According to him, labour offices have been raided, picket lines disrupted by security agencies and workers dismissed for demanding improved wages amid rising inflation and economic hardship.

Despite the challenges, Ajaero insisted that organised labour remains resilient and committed to defending workers' interests.

“They may have the instruments of fear, but workers possess the power that drives society. Every time one voice is silenced, thousands more rise to continue the struggle,” he said.

The Arthur Svensson International Award is presented annually to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of trade union rights and social justice around the world.