Rising Insecurity: NLC sets December 17 for nationwide protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as worsening wave of insecurity across the country and has directed all its affiliates to mobilise for a nationwide protest on December 17.
This was part of the resolutions reached at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) at the NLC Sub Secretariat in Lagos, where labour leaders reviewed recent school abductions, growing attacks by bandits and what they termed government failures in securing Nigerians.
The NEC in a communiqué issued after the meeting said it was alarmed by the rise in violent crimes, especially the kidnapping of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, during which two members of staff were killed.
It noted that kidnappers and bandits “are on rampage killing, kidnapping and maiming innocent people in many places across the nation.”
The council also condemned the reported withdrawal of security personnel from the school shortly before the attack.
In its resolutions, the NEC demanded “an immediate and thorough investigation into, and prosecution of, all those involved in the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school.”
It added that the government has not done enough to secure vulnerable schools, noting that facilities on the outskirts of towns and remote areas remain exposed. It then directed all affiliates and state councils “to fully mobilise for a nationwide protest against insecurity scheduled for 17th December 2025.”
The meeting also reviewed the state of tertiary education and described the sector as deeply troubled due to chronic underfunding, decaying infrastructure and unpaid allowances.
NEC-in-session accused the Federal Government of applying divide and rule tactics in its dealings with unions, saying these tactics worsen existing disagreements and weaken collective bargaining. It warned that higher institutions cannot progress under such conditions.
Labour leaders resolved that the government must stop the use of such divisive strategies and, instead, implement “a fair and uniform remuneration framework for all categories of workers in tertiary institutions, while recognising the peculiarities of various professions and the different allowances applicable to them.”
The NEC maintained that the future of the education sector depends on proper funding and sincere engagement.
The NEC further discussed the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions which began on November 14 and expressed concern that some nurses had withdrawn from the action. It described the move as worrying for the unity of the health sector.
It resolved that if ongoing negotiations between the government and JOHESU fail, “the NLC and all its affiliates will be left with no option but to join the strike in full solidarity.”
In another resolution, the NEC directed the immediate revival of the Labour and Civil Society Coalition after receiving reports on recent engagements with LASCO.
It said the coalition, which played an active role during the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, must return as a strong platform for joint civic action and public mobilisation.
The NEC also raised concerns over the Labour Party, accusing some officials of turning the party into an extension of other political interests. It reviewed the activities of members of the Nenadi Usman led caretaker committee and described their conduct as unacceptable. It said such actions undermine working class politics.
The NEC therefore ordered that NLC members serving on these committees be withdrawn immediately. It also directed the Congress to begin consultations aimed at building alliances with political parties that share working class values, saying such cooperation will run alongside engagement with the Labour Party.
The communiqué further called for unity among workers and citizens, even as it said the NLC “remains unwavering in its mission to promote and protect workers’ rights, improve the living and working conditions of Nigerian workers, and defend the Nigerian people,” urging Nigerians to stay resolute in the struggle against “exploitative political and economic forces.”
