Nigeria Labour Congress Announces Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity and Other National Crises
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest set for Thursday, 17 December 2025, as it intensifies pressure on the federal government to address escalating insecurity and other critical national issues.
The decision was reached at a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the union’s Sub-Secretariat in Yaba, Lagos, where leadership expressed deep concern over the “worsening security situation” across the country and other mounting public grievances.
In its communiqué, the NLC criticized the surge in violent attacks, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State in November 2025, where two school staff were reportedly killed. The union condemned the withdrawal of security personnel prior to the incident, warning that kidnappings and other attacks on vulnerable communities are reaching dangerous levels.
Beyond insecurity, the labour body cited economic hardship and systemic issues in education and health sectors as reasons for the planned protest. The NLC flagged concerns over Nigeria’s tertiary education system, saying university infrastructure is decaying, academic resources are outdated, and staff allowances are frequently unpaid. It urged the government to ensure fair compensation for academic workers nationwide.
The ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), which began on 14 November 2025, was also discussed. The NLC expressed concern about developments within the health sector and warned that it and its affiliates could intensify their involvement should negotiations with government officials falter.
In addition to these socioeconomic issues, the union raised alarms over what it described as political interference in the Labour Party’s internal affairs, announcing the revival of the Labour, Civil Society Coalition and plans to pursue alliances with political parties aligned with “working-class principles.”
The NLC said the nationwide protest aims to draw broad attention to government failures on security, economic hardship, industrial disputes, and political integrity, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action.