The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on December 17 to demand urgent action on the country’s worsening security situation.
The announcement was made in a communiqué issued yesterday at the close of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. The statement was jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
According to the communiqué, the NEC reviewed pressing national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The council condemned the kidnapping and the killing of a school staff member during the attack, while criticising the prior withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school.
Describing the rise in attacks on schools as “alarming,” the NLC urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable communities.
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The NEC resolved to mobilise all NLC affiliates and state councils for the protest and demanded immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.
According to the communiqué, other key issues discussed at the meeting include the crisis in the tertiary education sector, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
It added that the NEC expressed concern over the state of the Labour Party and urged members to realign the party with working-class principles, ideology and integrity.
The communiqué further warned that failure of the Federal Government to address insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions across various sectors, including health and education.
It stated that workers’ safety and welfare remained a top priority in NLC’s advocacy and urged citizens to join hands with workers in demanding a safer nation.
It noted that the planned protest would be peaceful but resolute and aimed at compelling the government to act decisively.
The NLC also urged state governments and security agencies to intensify measures to protect vulnerable communities, particularly schools and students, warning that continued neglect could undermine national stability.
The NEC reiterated the NLC’s commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving living and working conditions, and supporting initiatives that promote social justice and equitable development across the country.
