The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on December 17 over rising insecurity in the country.
The announcement came in a communiqué issued on Monday at the end of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, jointly signed by President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
The NEC condemned the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the killing of a school staffer, criticising the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack. The surge in attacks on schools was described as alarming, with a call for the Federal Government to secure all educational institutions, particularly in remote areas.
The NLC resolved to mobilise all affiliates and state councils for the protest, demanding immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible. The planned protest will be peaceful but resolute, aimed at compelling decisive government action.
Other issues discussed included 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). The NEC also expressed concern over the Labour Party, urging members to realign it with working-class principles.
The communiqué warned that failure to address insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions in health, education, and other sectors. Citizens were urged to support workers in demanding a safer nation.
State governments and security agencies were called on to intensify protection of vulnerable communities, especially schools and students, while the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving living and working conditions, and promoting social justice and equitable development.
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