NLC holds nationwide protest December 17 over insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its readiness to hold a nationwide protest on December 17, 2025, over insecurity in the country.

The NLC announced this via a communique issued at the end of its NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos on Monday, December 8.

The communique was jointly signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and the Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.

It stated that the NEC deliberated on pressing national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

The NLC said the NEC condemned the kidnapping and killing of school officials during the incident and criticised the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

The union described the surge in attacks on schools as alarming and called on the federal government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas.

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.

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).

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The NLC 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 NLC 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 the union’s advocacy and urged Nigerians to join hands with workers in demanding a safer nation.

The union 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 union reiterated its commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving living and working conditions, and supporting initiatives that promote social justice and equitable development across Nigeria.

The Star