The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), joined by civil society organisations, staged protests across Nigeria on Wednesday, calling on the government to take urgent action against the rising wave of insecurity.
In Abuja, protesters marched from the NLC secretariat under the watch of security agents from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), eventually proceeding to the Federal Ministry of Finance.
In Lagos, demonstrators moved from Ikeja to the Government House in Alausa, decrying kidnappings, banditry, and other crimes while urging both state and federal authorities to enhance public safety.
The Rivers State chapter of the NLC also conducted a peaceful march along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, culminating at the Rivers State Government House, where workers expressed concerns about security threats to lives and livelihoods.
Similarly, workers in Taraba State took part in the protests.
In Niger State, the protest was led by NLC State Chairman Idrees Lafene, alongside other labour leaders, as they marched from the Labour House in Minna through major streets.
Demonstrators carried placards with messages including “No Security, No Peace, No Development,” “Protect Our Lives,” and “Federal Government, Stop the Criminalities Now.”
While acknowledging the state government’s efforts, Lafene stressed that more decisive action was needed.
“We are on this protest because we are not satisfied. Every Nigerian has the right to live peacefully in their own community,” he said.
The march ended at the Niger State House of Assembly, where protesters presented a position paper on insecurity to the legislature.
Edo State NLC Withdraws
The Edo State NLC withdrew from the nationwide protest, citing timing conflicts with the annual Igue festival and increased travel in the state.
The council, however, reaffirmed its support for the cause and said it would join at a later date.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, joined by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and members of the Revolution Now Movement, emphasized the economic and social impacts of insecurity.
“Many workers are being kidnapped daily, and children of workers are not spared,” he said, urging government intervention to apprehend perpetrators.
Ajaero also suggested exploring an “insecurity allowance” for affected workers, highlighting the financial burden families face in paying ransoms.
He called for a nationwide condemnation of banditry and kidnappings, stressing that these acts are alien to Nigerian culture.
On Tuesday, the NLC met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa, along with key state governors and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The discussions, according to attendees, focused on addressing insecurity while ensuring dialogue between the government and labour continues.
“Consultation is ongoing. We are all working in service to the nation,” Governor Hope Uzodimma said, underscoring the collaborative effort between labour, government, and citizens to tackle insecurity.
