The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on workers, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians to join a nationwide protest on Wednesday over the country’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement on Monday, the NLC warned that the escalating security crisis is eroding public confidence, deepening poverty, and putting workers and ordinary citizens at increasing risk, whether commuting to work, performing official duties, or remaining at home.
The protest, scheduled for December 17, follows resolutions adopted at the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos on December 4. According to the Congress, the demonstration will be peaceful, with participants marching along designated routes in major cities nationwide.
Acting General Secretary Benson Upah said all NLC affiliates and state councils had been fully mobilised for the “nationwide protest rally against insecurity.” In Abuja, the convergence point will be Labour House, Central Business District, where participants are expected to assemble from 7:30 a.m. before embarking on the procession.
Read Also: I won’t defect to APC, says Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, affirms loyalty to PDP
Upah stressed that the protest is part of the NLC’s constitutional responsibility to defend the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerian workers. “No meaningful development, productivity or industrial peace can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence,” he said, urging the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and take decisive action to restore confidence and safety across the country.
The NEC communiqué expressed deep concern over what it described as the “unchecked spread of violence, killings, kidnappings and criminality” nationwide. It noted that insecurity continues to undermine livelihoods, disrupt economic activity, and expose workers and citizens to constant danger, despite repeated government assurances.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, addressing members in Lagos, warned against complacency. “The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country — never again. Consequently, we will take a strong stance,” he said.
Ajaero also questioned the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to schools, which he said created openings for kidnappers. “We will insist — through nationwide protests if necessary — on knowing who gave that instruction and whether members of our security agencies or their leadership have been compromised. Never again shall we watch kidnappers and bandits overrun our country, demanding ransom and killing workers,” he stated.
The NLC reiterated that the protest aims to draw attention to the urgent need for effective security measures to protect lives, property, and national development.
