NLC threatens nationwide protests over rising insecurity

Friday, December 5, 2025 - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sounded a fresh alarm over the growing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country, warning that it is prepared to declare a National Day of Mourning and mobilise workers for nationwide protests.

The labour body said the situation has reached a breaking point, insisting it will no longer watch citizens live in fear while criminal groups operate freely.

This strong position was made public at the opening session of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said Nigeria is “under siege,” expressing deep frustration over the recent school kidnapping and the suspicious withdrawal of security operatives before the attack.

He demanded a thorough investigation to determine whether there was negligence or sabotage within the security structure.

Ajaero stressed that the worsening insecurity is now endangering the lives of teachers, students, workers and families across the country.

He said the NLC will soon release detailed plans for the national mourning and protest actions.

According to him, the labour movement cannot continue to keep quiet while communities are raided, children are abducted and citizens are killed without swift government response.

He also announced that Labour representatives would be withdrawn from the Labour Party, saying the party had “derailed from representing the interests of workers” and had instead become a platform for personal ambitions.

Human-rights advocate, Femi Falana, SAN, who addressed the NEC meeting, also lamented the rising insecurity, warning that the country is sliding into dangerous territory.

He said the surge in kidnappings, attacks on schools, and bandit operations shows that the government must act urgently before the situation deteriorates further.

Falana rejected suggestions that foreign troops should be invited to assist Nigeria, insisting such a move would undermine the country’s sovereignty.

He also condemned recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as an affront to Nigeria.

The senior advocate urged the Tinubu administration to take decisive steps to protect citizens and restore public confidence.

The senior lawyer called on civil society groups, labour unions and ordinary Nigerians to prepare for collective action if the situation worsens, insisting that the people must not allow insecurity to overwhelm the country.