The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) wish to express profound congratulations to the President of our sister federation and ally, the Nigeran Labour Congress (NLC), Cde Joe Ajaero for being awarded the Arthur Svenson International Prize for trade union rights for 2026.

COSATU is proud of the achievement conferred on the workers of Nigeria, who are leading protracted battles for decent work, democratic rights, inclusive development and social justice. 

COSATU enjoys a special relationship with the NLC, with whom we are part of the Africa Quadilateral Forum together with Ghana TUC and COTU Kenya. The forum has grown to include Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia who are historically francophone Africa unions. 

The Forum builds solidarity, strategic policy work and campaigns coordination between our unions on key continental issues affecting workers to advance decent work, job creation, industrialisation, social justice and inclusive growth. 

To this end, we have together supported the mass mobilisations and working-class struggles led by the NLC in Nigeria, in which President Ajaero has been decisively at the forefront. 

COSATU organised petitions and pickets demanding the release of Cde Ajaero during his harassment and persecution, including denying him a visa to attend the Congress of the British TUC Congress in the UK. 

The African trade union movement regards the award as an honour and fitting tribute to the trade union movement on the continent and the struggles it is involved in. 

It recognises the struggles of workers in various parts of the continent, who are fighting inhumane working conditions, undemocratic regimes, child labour, gender and women abuse and very poor incomes. 

To this end, the award is a necessary inspiration and call to intensify workers struggles for a better, democratic, peaceful and just Africa. 

Issued by COSATUBongani Masuku (COSATU International Secretary)
Mobile: 079 499 6419
Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile:  079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za