By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), joined by civil society organisations, staged nationwide protests on Wednesday to demand urgent government action against rising insecurity across the country.
In Abuja, protesters marched from the NLC Secretariat under the watch of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). In Lagos, NLC members and allied groups moved from Ikeja to the Government House in Alausa, while Rivers State saw a peaceful march along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway to the State Government House. Workers in Taraba and Niger States also participated, calling on authorities to safeguard lives and property.
In Niger State, NLC Chairman Idrees Lafene led the march from the Labour House along IBB Road, carrying placards with messages including “No Security, No Peace, No Development” and “Protect Our Communities.” Lafene acknowledged government efforts but stressed the need for more decisive action to ensure citizens are not forced to live as internally displaced persons (IDPs). The protest concluded at the Niger State House of Assembly, where a position paper on insecurity was presented to lawmakers. Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji pledged the Assembly’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the state and nationwide.
However, the Edo State NLC council withdrew from the protest, citing the timing as inconvenient due to increased travel and the ongoing Igue festival in Benin City. The council affirmed its support for the initiative and promised to join at a later date.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the protest aims to call attention to the economic and social impact of insecurity, including kidnappings and killings that disrupt workers’ lives and discourage investment. He called on Nigerians to reject banditry and insecurity, describing such acts as alien to the nation’s values.
Earlier on Tuesday, NLC leaders met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa to discuss the issues. The meeting included governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo), as well as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. Uzodimma said consultations among stakeholders are ongoing, while Onyejeocha noted that the NLC members left the meeting satisfied that the President is taking steps to address economic and security challenges.
The protests reflect growing frustration over kidnappings, banditry, and other security challenges, with labour and civil society groups urging the government to implement stronger policies and ensure the protection of Nigerians across all states.
