The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Abuja reaffirmed its commitment to the liberation struggles of the people of Western Sahara.
The NLC President, Dr Ayuba Wabba gave the commitment when a delegation led by Mr Mohammed Lehbib, General Secretary, General Union of Workers of Western Sahara paid him a courtesy visit.
According to Wabba, NLC would continue to play a leading role in the struggle for the emancipation and liberation of the Saharawi people.
“As Nigerians, we need to do more for the independence of the Saharawi people because we cannot claim to be independent if a part of our continent remains colonised,” he said.
Wabba said NLC would seek the support of the Federal Government and African Union in the struggle for the emancipation of the Saharawi people.
“I want to assure you that as the President of NLC, our support will continue because we share common values with the Saharawi people and we have worked together.”
Earlier, Lehbib said that the visit was to felicitate with the new NLC leadership and seek support for the struggle of the Saharawi people and workers.
“NLC’s firm and continuous support to the struggle of the Saharawi people and workers is the clearest testament of its commitment to an emancipation of Africa that is free from all forms of injustice and colonialism.
“I will like to acknowledge the existing close and warm bilateral relations between our two organisations that have been developed over the years and look forward to further consolidate them in the interest of our people and workers,” he said.
Lehbib also called on the NLC president to provide quality leadership to the union and work with other African trade unions to ensure prosperity, development and democratisation of the continent.
In his comment, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, General Secretary of NLC, assured the delegation of the congress’ support to push forward the “Abuja Declaration Action” which supports the independence of Western Sahara.
Ozo-Eson said that as a follow up to the Abuja Declaration, the NLC had set up a committee to ensure its implementation.
“We want to ensure that the declaration is not just in words but must be implemented to ensure that it becomes a reality,” he said.