NLC fixes date for nationwide protest against insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on December 17, citing worsening insecurity across the country.

The decision was revealed in a communiqué issued after the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos, where labour leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating threats to the safety and wellbeing of citizens.

The communiqué was signed by NLC President Mr Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.

It stated that the NEC deliberated on pressing national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi.

The communiqué said that the NEC condemned the kidnapping and killing of school staffer during the incident and criticised the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school prior to the attack.

It described the surge in attacks on schools as alarming, and called on the Federal Government to secure all schools, particularly those in remote and vulnerable areas.

The NEC resolved to mobilise all NLC affiliates and state councils for the protest, and demanded immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the security lapses.

According to the communiqué, other key issues discussed at the meeting include 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).

It added that the NEC expressed concern over the state of the Labour Party and urged members to realign the party with working-class principles, ideology and integrity.

The communiqué further warned that failure of the Federal Government to address insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions across various sectors, including health and education.

It stated that workers’ safety and welfare remained a top priority in NLC’s advocacy and urged citizens to join hands with workers in demanding a safer nation.