Abuja, December 17, 2025 – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is forging ahead with its planned nationwide protests today, mobilizing workers, civil society groups, and concerned citizens across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to demand urgent government action on escalating insecurity, rampant school kidnappings, banditry, deepening economic hardships, and related crises.
The mass action, described by the NLC as a “National Day of Protest and Mourning,” follows a resolution from the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on December 4, 2025, in Lagos. Key grievances include the deteriorating security situation, highlighted by the November 17 abduction of 24 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Kebbi State, where two staff members were killed after security personnel were reportedly withdrawn shortly before the attack.
NLC President Joe Ajaero has emphasized that there is “no going back” on the protests, stating that insecurity has eroded public confidence, damaged the economy, and deterred investors. The union has also cited a World Bank report from October 2025 estimating that 139 million Nigerians—over 60% of the population—are now living in poverty due to policy failures, inflation, unemployment, and collapsing services.
Additional concerns raised by the NLC include the crumbling tertiary education system, marked by chronic underfunding and obsolete infrastructure; the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) since November 14, 2025; and broader economic pressures affecting workers and families.
In Abuja, protesters are expected to converge at Labour House in the Central Business District from 7:30 a.m. for a peaceful procession. Similar rallies are planned in state capitals, with affiliates and civil society allies fully mobilized. The Federal Workers Forum has thrown its weight behind the action, calling it “long overdue.”
Amid reports of alleged plots to disrupt the protests with violence, the NLC has warned that any harm to participants could trigger an immediate indefinite nationwide strike. Police have deployed special forces to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful.
Last night, President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with NLC leaders, including Comrade Joe Ajaero, in an apparent bid to address the concerns, though the union has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed.
The NLC urges peaceful conduct and calls on the government to treat insecurity as a national emergency, protect vulnerable schools, and implement reforms for safer communities and better living conditions. Citizens are encouraged to join in solidarity for accountability and justice.
NLC Defies Odds, Proceeds with Nationwide Protests Against Insecurity and Hardships
