The protest went ahead despite last-minute efforts by a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and representatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, who met with NLC leaders shortly before the march commenced.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday led a nationwide protest against rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions, alongside fiery human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and members of civil society groups.
The protest went ahead despite last-minute efforts by a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and representatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, who met with NLC leaders shortly before the march commenced.
Speaking to journalists, Ajaero said the meeting with the President’s team did not produce any resolution capable of stopping the protest.
He said the organised labour was compelled to proceed in view of the growing wave of kidnappings, killings and general insecurity across the country.
Some members of organised labour at the protest expressed deep concern over the spate of abductions, insisting that kidnappers should face the stiffest punishment rather than what they described as official “romance” with criminal elements. Several protesters argued that kidnapping had become a capital crime and should attract the death penalty.
In a statement issued ahead of the protest, the NLC said the action was more than a symbolic march.
“Our action today is not just a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the statement read.
The union lamented the deaths of countless Nigerians, including workers, teachers, farmers, miners and other artisans, amid escalating insecurity and what it described as government inaction.
The NLC urged workers, students, traders and other citizens to remain disciplined, peaceful and united throughout the protest. “Solidarity is our shield,” the congress said.
It also called on the police, who had been formally notified of the protest, to protect citizens’ democratic right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The protest was first announced following the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 4, 2025, as part of a response to multiple national crises.
At the meeting, the NEC expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, 2025, during which two school staff members were reportedly killed.
The union condemned the withdrawal of security personnel before the attack and demanded urgent government intervention to prevent similar incidents.
Beyond insecurity, the NLC also drew attention to deepening poverty. According to the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update released in October 2025, about 139 million Nigerians roughly 61 to 62 per cent of the population are now living in poverty, representing a sharp increase over previous years.
The congress said the protest was intended to press the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives, restore public confidence and address the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions.