The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of imminent nationwide protests and a national day of mourning as insecurity continues to escalate across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that Nigeria is “under siege,” citing a spike in school kidnappings, killings and abductions of workers.
Ajaero condemned the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren, raising concerns over reports that security personnel were abruptly withdrawn from the affected school shortly before attackers struck.
He described the development as evidence of a possible compromise within the security structure and demanded a full investigation to identify those responsible.
He warned that the NLC would mobilise workers nationwide unless government takes urgent action to secure communities. “Never again shall we stand by while criminals overrun our country,” he said, adding that countless workers and their children have been abducted or forced to pay huge ransoms.
Ajaero also criticised the power sector for poor service despite tariff increases and emphasised that government must honour agreements in health and education sectors.
He announced the withdrawal of all workers’ representatives from the Labour Party, accusing them of pursuing personal interests.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who also addressed the meeting, cautioned against foreign military intervention and urged government to urgently restore security to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
