Aregbesola, labour blast US over Cuba blockade

Abuja — Former Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, alongside organised labour leaders, has condemned the United States of America over its sanctions on Cuba, warning that the measures are pushing vulnerable Cubans, especially sick children and the elderly, into what he described as life-threatening conditions.

The concerns were raised in Abuja at a conference of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) themed 'Cuba and all countries have the right to live.'

Speakers at the event included Aregbesola; President-General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Festus Osifo; Senior Assistant General Secretary (Research) of the Nigeria Labour Congress, James Imoyera; and Cuba’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero.

Aregbesola said restrictions on fuel and energy supplies have left many Cuban hospitals and laboratories struggling to maintain stable power, worsening the humanitarian situation.

“This is the time Cuba needs solidarity from all peoples of the world. It is in the enlightened self-interest of humanity to stand by Cuba not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because unless we show solidarity and stand together, powerful countries like the US will also dictate to us the God we must worship,” he said.

He added that Africa’s support for Cuba is rooted in shared values of justice and human solidarity.

“We Africans align with the Cuban people not just because they have a right like all other peoples to live, but also because it aligns with our belief in universal peace and social justice. Besides, Cubans have taught the world how to love each other and be ready to sacrifice,” he said.

Relations between Washington and Havana have remained strained since the Cuban Revolution triggered nationalisation policies and a prolonged trade dispute, eventually leading to a broad U.S. embargo on the island, with limited humanitarian exemptions.

Speaking for organised labour, Osifo said the union movement opposes any form of external pressure that harms ordinary citizens.

“We therefore reject the continued interference of the United States of America in the internal affairs of Cuba, as well as policies that impose hardship on Cuban workers and citizens.

“As trade unionists, our concern is always for the working class and the vulnerable. Sanctions and external pressures often impact ordinary workers the most; limiting access to essential goods, services, and opportunities.

“The TUC reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the workers and people of Cuba in their legitimate aspirations for peace, economic stability, and national development,” he said.

Imoyera, in his remarks, faulted Cuba’s continued inclusion on the U.S. 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' list, describing the designation as harmful to the country’s access to global finance.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional lifting of the U.S. blockade. We call for an end to the smear campaigns against Cuba’s international medical brigades, who have saved countless lives across the globe,” the NLC officials stated. 

He also urged the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list and praised the resilience of the Cuban people despite economic hardship.

In her remarks, Ambassador Palmero called for broader global advocacy in support of Cuba across labour, academic, youth, community and media platforms, while commending Nigeria’s solidarity.

“We want you also to know that Cuba will never renounce to its independence, to its social model sovereignly elected, neither to its solidarity vocation with the peoples of the world,” she said.