The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning that it may launch a nationwide protest in response to the escalating security crisis gripping the country.
Speaking at the opening session of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, the union’s president, Joe Ajaero, said the labour movement could no longer remain passive while violent criminal groups continue to terrorise communities across Nigeria. Ajaero declared that the NLC is prepared to observe a national day of mourning and mobilise workers nationwide for mass demonstrations if the government fails to address the worsening insecurity.
According to Ajaero, the country is “practically under siege.” He condemned the most recent case of mass abduction involving schoolchildren and questioned the reported withdrawal of security officers shortly before the incident occurred. He insisted that a thorough and transparent investigation must be carried out, stressing that any collusion or negligence within the security system must be exposed.
“We will not fold our arms and watch criminals take control of this nation,” Ajaero said. “Nigerians deserve answers. We want to know who authorised the removal of security personnel from that school. We will resist any attempt by kidnappers, bandits, or their sponsors to overrun our country.”
He added that the NLC would soon announce the timeline and modalities for the national mourning and subsequent protests. Ajaero emphasised that the safety of teachers, students, workers, and citizens in general is now at serious risk, noting that the insecurity has reached a point where “people can no longer bear it.”
During his address, Ajaero also revealed that the Congress had withdrawn its appointed representatives from the Labour Party, arguing that those individuals had deviated from the interests and principles of the labour movement. “They are not speaking for us,” he said. “Many of them appear to be pursuing personal ambitions rather than defending the rights of workers.”
Human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, who also spoke at the event, echoed the NLC’s concerns. Falana warned that Nigeria is sliding into a dangerous situation due to the rapid increase in kidnappings, violent attacks, and general lawlessness.
He dismissed calls for foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s internal security matters, cautioning that such appeals could undermine the nation’s sovereignty. Falana also criticised recent comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as inappropriate and unacceptable.
Falana urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to safeguard citizens, insisting that Nigerians are “not a conquered people.” He encouraged labour unions, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens to remain vigilant and united in resisting any further breakdown of security.
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