Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress assembled at the NLC Secretariat, Labour House, Abuja, on Wednesday for a nationwide protest against rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions across the country.
President Bola Tinubu met with NLC leadership on Tuesday night in a bid to avert the protest, but Ajaero told newsmen there was no resolution to stop it.
According to Channels TV, those present included NLC President Joe Ajaero and civil society allies, such as Omoyele Sowore and colleagues from the Revolution Now Movement.
Also in Lagos, the protesters gathered at the Ikeja, carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding urgent action to curb violent crimes and kidnappings.
A member of the NLC speaking to News Central TV said, “Any kidnapper should be sentenced to death… They should kill them immediately.”
The demonstration, first announced after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting on December 4, 2025, responds to a wide range of national crises.
The NEC expressed concern over escalating insecurity, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, during which two staff members were killed. The union condemned the withdrawal of security personnel prior to the attack and called for urgent government intervention.
The protest also addresses broader labour grievances, including unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, rising cost of living, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ productivity, safety, and livelihoods.
The NLC highlighted the deaths of numerous members, teachers, farmers, miners, and other artisans amid escalating insecurity and government inaction.
Framing the action as a civic duty, the NLC said it aims to mobilise public opinion and compel authorities to prioritise security and governance reforms.
In a notice issued to state chapters on December 10, the union urged peaceful demonstrations, emphasising that the action is lawful and constitutionally protected.
“The surge in kidnappings targeting schoolchildren has reached an alarming and unacceptable level,” the NEC communiqué said.
The NLC also called on the police, who were notified of the protest, to protect citizens’ democratic right to assemble and express their grievances. “Solidarity is our shield,” the union said.
