File photo: President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero
By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday led a nationwide protest against the worsening security situation across the country, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property.
The protest, which was held simultaneously in several states, was joined by civil society organisations and human rights activists. Demonstrators decried the increasing cases of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes, warning that insecurity was threatening livelihoods, economic activity,, and national stability.
In Abuja, protesters marched from the NLC secretariat under the watch of security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services, before proceeding to the Federal Ministry of Finance. In Lagos, NLC members and allied groups marched from Ikeja to the Government House in Alausa, urging authorities to act swiftly to stem the tide of criminality.
Similar protests were held in Rivers, Taraba, and Niger states. In Port Harcourt, workers marched along the Port Harcourt–Aba Expressway to the Rivers State Government House, where they gathered peacefully awaiting engagement with government officials. In Taraba, protesters demanded concrete action against banditry, stressing that rhetoric alone was no longer acceptable.
In Niger State, the protest was led by the NLC State Chairman, Idrees Lafene, who acknowledged efforts by the state government and legislature but insisted they were insufficient. Marching through major streets of Minna, protesters carried placards with messages such as “No Security, No Peace, No Development,” “Nigeria Is Bleeding,” and “Secure Nigerians Now.” Lafene said Nigerians should not be forced to live as internally displaced persons and called for intensified security operations and stronger oversight of security agencies. The protest ended at the Niger State House of Assembly, where a position paper was presented to lawmakers. The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, assured the protesters of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing security challenges.
The Edo State council of the NLC, however, withdrew from the protest, citing concerns over timing due to increased travel and the ongoing Igue festival in Benin City. The council said it supports the protest and would participate when a more suitable date is announced.
Earlier in Abuja, NLC leaders led by its president, Joe Ajaero, gathered at the union’s secretariat alongside human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and members of the Revolution Now Movement. Ajaero said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the severe impact of insecurity on workers and the economy, noting that kidnappings and killings were becoming routine.
“Many workers are being kidnapped daily, people are killed, and their families are left to raise ransom,” Ajaero said, adding that insecurity was also discouraging investors and worsening economic hardship. He urged the government to go beyond promises and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
The protest came a day after labour leaders met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, alongside some state governors and labour officials, to discuss the concerns raised. Following the meeting, stakeholders said consultations were ongoing, even as the NLC insisted that sustained action was required to end insecurity nationwide.
