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NLC Sets December 17 for Nationwide Protest Over Rising Insecurity
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has scheduled a nationwide protest for December 17 to demand urgent government action on rising insecurity, following the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and other escalating threats.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its intention to stage a nationwide protest on December 17 in response to escalating insecurity across the country.
The decision was outlined in a communiqué issued on Monday following the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos.
The document was jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
According to the communiqué, the NEC reviewed critical national and labour-related concerns, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. It condemned the kidnapping and the killing of a school staff member during the attack, as well as the reported withdrawal of security personnel from the school prior to the incident.
Describing the rise in school attacks as “alarming”, the NEC urged the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of schools, especially those situated in remote and high-risk areas.
The council resolved to mobilise all NLC affiliates and state councils for the planned protest, insisting on a thorough investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the security failures.
Other matters discussed included the ongoing challenges in the tertiary education sector, the strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and efforts to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
The NEC also raised concerns about the current state of the Labour Party, encouraging members to reposition the party around working-class values, ideology and integrity.
The communiqué warned that the Federal Government’s failure to address worsening insecurity and other urgent issues could trigger broader industrial actions across various sectors, including health and education.
It reaffirmed that workers’ safety and welfare remain central to the NLC’s advocacy efforts and called on Nigerians to unite with labour in demanding a more secure nation.
While affirming that the December 17 protest would be peaceful yet firm, the NLC urged state governments and security agencies to strengthen measures to safeguard vulnerable communities, especially schools and students, stressing that continued inaction could threaten national stability.
The NEC concluded by reiterating the NLC’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving living and working conditions, and supporting initiatives that advance social justice and equitable development nationwide.
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