NLC to Hold Nationwide Protest on December 17 Over Worsening Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest on December 17 to express deep frustration over what it describes as the “escalating and intolerable” level of insecurity across the country. The NLC said the protest has become necessary following the federal government’s “continued failure” to curb the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, and attacks affecting citizens in virtually every region.

The announcement was made on Sunday after an emergency meeting of the Congress’ National Executive Council (NEC), where labour leaders reviewed the current security situation and the impact on workers, farmers, students, and the general population. According to the NLC, Nigeria has reached a point where “silence would be immoral,” insisting that immediate citizen-led intervention is needed to pressure authorities into decisive action.

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In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress condemned what it described as the “worsening collapse of security architecture,” stressing that Nigerians can no longer go about their daily lives without fear of attacks. Ajaero remarked that workers now risk being kidnapped on their way to work, farmers are abandoning farmlands due to terror attacks, and students continue to face abductions from their schools.

“The levels of insecurity we are witnessing today are unprecedented. Nigerians have been pushed to the wall. This protest is not just for workers but for every citizen whose life and livelihood are threatened daily,” Ajaero said.

He further explained that insecurity is crippling economic activities nationwide, leading to increasing inflation, job losses, and food scarcity. According to him, many local businesses are shutting down operations in areas plagued by banditry or insurgency, while the cost of transporting goods has skyrocketed due to the danger on major highways.

The NLC said the protest would take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with workers, civil society groups, students, market women, transport unions, and community organizations expected to participate. The Congress has directed all its state councils to begin mobilizing immediately for what it called a “mass action to reclaim the country from fear.”

Security experts say Nigeria has experienced a sharp rise in violent crimes in recent months. Recent reports highlight deadly attacks across Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and the South-East, with communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups. Kidnappings for ransom have also surged, affecting commuters, residents, and sometimes entire villages. Despite several military operations launched by the government, many Nigerians believe the response has been slow and ineffective.

The NLC insists that the December 17 march is not aimed at undermining the government but rather a call for urgent reforms and action. The Congress listed several demands, including improved intelligence gathering, better funding and equipment for security agencies, community policing structures, and swift prosecution of arrested criminals.

“We want a Nigeria where workers can travel to their workplaces without fear, where farmers can return to the fields, where children can attend school safely, and where families can sleep without anxiety. These are basic rights,” the NLC statement said.

The Congress also urged President Bola Tinubu to personally take charge of the security situation and demonstrate stronger political will. It cautioned that if insecurity continues unchecked, the country risks deeper economic decline and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, reactions have begun to trail the announcement. Several civil society organizations have declared support for the protest, saying the NLC is echoing the frustrations of millions of Nigerians. Student unions across various universities have also signaled readiness to join, citing increasing concerns about campus safety and off-campus abductions.

However, some analysts warn that the protest must be well-organized to avoid infiltration by violent groups or political elements. They also urged the government to engage the NLC constructively rather than attempt to suppress the demonstration, noting that peaceful protests are a constitutional right.

Government officials have not yet issued an official response, but sources within the security establishment say preparations are underway to ensure the protests remain peaceful and do not escalate into violence.

As December 17 approaches, all eyes will be on both the NLC and the federal government. For many Nigerians, the protest represents a collective cry for safety and stability—a reminder that the human cost of insecurity is too high to be ignored.