The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will hold a nationwide protest on December 17 because of the rising insecurity in the country.
This was revealed in a statement released on Monday after the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. The statement was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah.
The NEC discussed important national and workplace issues, including the recent kidnapping of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
The statement said the NEC strongly condemned the kidnapping and the killing of a school staff member. It also criticised the withdrawal of security officers from the school before the attack.
The NEC said the increasing attacks on schools are worrying and urged the Federal Government to protect all schools, especially those in remote and high-risk areas.
The NEC agreed to mobilise all NLC members and state branches for the protest. It also called for a full investigation and punishment for those responsible for the security failures.
The statement added that the NEC also discussed other issues, such as the crisis in universities, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and plans to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).
The NEC expressed worry about the current state of the Labour Party and encouraged members to bring the party back to true working-class values and integrity.
The statement warned that if the Federal Government does not address insecurity and other key problems, workers in sectors like health and education may begin stronger industrial actions.
It added that workers’ safety and welfare remain the NLC’s top priority and called on Nigerians to support workers in demanding a safer country.
