Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday converged at the NLC Secretariat, Labour House in Abuja, for the commencement of their national protest due to the level of insecurity and poor economic conditions in the country.
The protest was carried out despite a late Tuesday night meeting between President Bola Tinubu and NLC leaders to avert the protest. While speaking with news reporters, NLC President Joe Ajaero made it known that nothing was agreed upon to call off the protest.
According to reports by Channels Television, the meeting was attended by Ajaero, leaders of the allied unions, as well as leaders from the civil society, including Omoyele Sowore, who is behind the Movement for Revolution Now. The protest was pronounced after the NLC National Executive Council meeting, which took place on December 4, 2025.
In a press release, the NEC expressed their concern about the rising cases of insecurity, exemplified by the kidnapping of 24school girls in Kebbi State on November 17, in which two members of the school staff were murdered. The NLC was critical of the withdrawal of the security personnel before the attack.
The protest also looks at general labour issues, such as outstanding labour agreement issues with the Federal Government, the rise in the cost of living, and the effects of insecurity on labour safety and productivity. According to the union, many of its members, teachers, farmers, miners, and artisans, have lost their lives due to violence and government inaction.
Describing the protest as a civic responsibility, the NLC said the action is intended to galvanise public opinion and pressure authorities to place security and governance reforms at the top of the national agenda.
Through a notice circulated to its state chapters on December 10, the NLC urged its supporters to remain peaceful, noting the protest is constitutional and therefore lawful.
“The rise in kidnappings, especially involving children from schools, has reached an alarming and unacceptable level,” the NEC said.