The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that its planned nationwide protest on December 17 will focus squarely on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and demand urgent action from authorities.
NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed this on Saturday in Gombe while speaking to journalists after a meeting with Governor Inuwa Yahaya on labour matters.
According to Ajaero, the NLC protest on insecurity seeks to pressure government institutions to confront banditry, kidnapping and violent crime, which now threaten Nigerians across all social classes.
NLC Says Insecurity Is Hitting Workers and Investors
Ajaero warned that insecurity continues to weaken Nigeria’s economy and scare away both local and foreign investors. He stressed that workers now face constant danger while travelling to work or living in vulnerable communities.
“Our protest draws attention to how insecurity affects workers and investors,” Ajaero said. “People get kidnapped daily, and in some cases, criminals kill them.”
He cited a recent attack in Kebbi State, where gunmen killed a teacher and abducted children of workers. According to him, such incidents show how deeply insecurity has spread.
Dec 17 Protest Aims to Support Government Action
The NLC president explained that the December 17 protest does not oppose government efforts. Instead, he said the demonstration aims to strengthen political will and public resolve.
“Nigerians are saying this is wrong and must stop,” Ajaero stated. “The protest supports government action against insecurity.”
He added that kidnapping for ransom erodes national values and destroys social cohesion.
Workers Bear the Cost of Nigeria’s Insecurity
Ajaero said workers suffer the heaviest burden when kidnappers strike. Many victims, he noted, lack money for ransom and must borrow or beg to survive.
“We don’t carry weapons to chase criminals,” he said. “Peaceful protest remains our only voice to Nigerians and the international community.”
He also urged government authorities to expand social safety nets. According to him, the minimum wage alone cannot reduce hardship without additional incentives and protections.
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