The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that it will stage a nationwide protest on December 17 in response to the worsening security situation across the country, especially the renewed wave of assaults on schools.
The decision emerged from a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos, where the labour body issued a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.
During the meeting, the NEC strongly condemned the abduction of 24 female students in Kebbi State and the killing of a staff member during the attack. The Congress described the earlier withdrawal of security personnel from the school as a grave failure of duty.
“The spike in school-related attacks is deeply troubling. We urge the Federal Government to act decisively and ensure that all schools, particularly those in remote and high-risk areas, are properly secured,” the communiqué stated.
The NLC said it would mobilize its affiliates and state chapters to participate in what it called a peaceful but determined national demonstration. It also demanded a thorough investigation into the Kebbi incident and called for accountability for those responsible for the lapses in security.
The NEC cautioned that if the Federal Government continues to ignore the growing insecurity and other pressing national issues, it may be forced to escalate its response through industrial actions across vital sectors, including health and education.
“Protecting workers’ lives and ensuring their welfare is non-negotiable. Persistent neglect poses a serious threat to the country’s stability,” the statement added.
The meeting also reviewed other national challenges, including the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), persistent problems in the tertiary education system, and efforts to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
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In addition, the NEC expressed unease over the current direction of the Labour Party and called for a renewed commitment to values and principles that reflect the interests of working people.
The NLC urged citizens to stand with organised labour in demanding a safer nation, while calling on both state governments and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect schools and other vulnerable communities.
