The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday commenced a nationwide protest against rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions across the country, despite a late-night meeting between its leadership and President Bola Tinubu.
Members of the congress gathered early at the NLC Secretariat, Labour House, Abuja, before marching to strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards calling for urgent action on security and governance.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, who addressed journalists in Abuja, said the meeting with President Tinubu on Tuesday night did not yield any resolution capable of halting the protest.
According to him, the union had exhausted all dialogue options and was compelled to proceed with the demonstration in the interest of Nigerian workers and citizens.
“We met with the President, but there was no concrete outcome that could address the issues we raised, especially insecurity and the cost of living,” Ajaero said.
Civil society activists, including Mr Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now Movement, joined the protest in Abuja.
In Lagos, protesters converged on the Ikeja area, chanting slogans and displaying placards demanding an end to kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes.
Some of the protesters accused the government of failing to protect lives and property, urging authorities to take decisive measures against criminals.
The nationwide protest was first announced after the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on December 4, 2025.
The NEC expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, during which two school staff members were reportedly killed.
The congress also cited unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, rising inflation and the negative impact of insecurity on workers’ productivity and livelihoods as reasons for the action.
An NLC member at the Lagos protest said insecurity had made daily survival difficult for workers and their families, calling for stiffer penalties for kidnappers and violent criminals.
The NLC, in a notice issued to its state chapters on December 10, urged members to ensure peaceful demonstrations, stressing that the protest was lawful and constitutionally guaranteed.
It also called on the police and other security agencies, who were duly notified, to protect protesters and respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Security personnel were deployed to protest venues in Abuja and Lagos to maintain order as the demonstration continued.
