The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 to demand urgent government action over the worsening security situation across the country. The decision emerged from the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, where the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a school staff member were condemned. A communiqué signed by union leaders promised mobilisation of all NLC affiliates and state councils to ensure mass participation on the protest day.
The union’s leadership expressed frustration over the recent withdrawal of security operatives from vulnerable schools, an action they believe may have enabled the kidnappers to strike. Describing recent attacks on schools as “deeply alarming,” NLC urged the Federal Government to fortify security in schools, especially in remote and high-risk regions.
During the NEC meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that Nigeria is “under siege.” He warned that the union can no longer watch idly while criminal gangs terrorise citizens, abduct children, and kill workers, warning that the December 17 protest could be followed by wider industrial actions if the government fails to respond.
In addition to security, other pressing issues, including the crisis in tertiary education, an ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and concerns about political alignment of the Labour Party were raised during deliberations. The protest, NLC said, aims not only to demand safety for workers, students, and communities, but also to call attention to broader social justice and welfare concerns.
According to NLC, the planned protest will be peaceful but resolute, and its main goal is to force the government to act quickly and decisively to protect citizens. The union reiterated its commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and fostering equitable development nationwide.
Nigeria’s economic recovery could suffer further if the protest triggers shutdowns. Experts estimate that nationwide labour actions may cost the economy up to ₦50 billion per day in lost output, intensifying inflation, discouraging foreign investment, and worsening living standards.
