Together with civil society organizations (CSOs), organized labor unions operating under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) umbrella have criticized the federal government for the widespread insecurity, stating that “the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are sacrosanct.”
The government’s terrible failure to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 revised constitution was lamented by organized labor and CSOs.
Amid concerns over insecurity, the unions held a nonviolent protest in Jos on Wednesday. They carried banners and placards with various inscriptions and threatened to shut down the country without warning if the Federal Government did nothing.
According to the Daily Champion, the demonstrators gathered as early as 8:00 a.m. and then went to the Plateau State House of Assembly and Government House Little Rayfield, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking him to take the appropriate measures.
They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and called for the rapid return of internally displaced people (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in order to prevent further attacks in the areas.
“Today, we are here to register and express our displeasure to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, from the state to the local government and to the three tiers of government of this country,” stated Comrade Eugene Manji, the NLC chairman of the Plateau State Chapter.
Each of us has seen the problem of insecurity firsthand.
Manji, who provided an explanation of the protest’s motivation, stated that it was a follow-up to their May Day (Workers’ Day 2025) celebration, during which they voiced their disapproval of Nigeria’s insecurity problem.
At the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting last week in Lagos, it was decided that all 36 of the federation’s states ought to take action at the same time.
“It is very relevant that you live in a nation where people are being killed like animals, and you are unaware of this until another nation, like the United States of America, informs you that you are a country of particular significance.
Take a look at today’s Plateau schools. For over a month now, students have been absent from school due to insecurity.
Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited, thus by closing schools, we are supporting these individuals.
They have already managed to severely impair education by the time we shut down schools.
A nation without education is condemned to fail. That a nation of more than 250 million people might become illiterate is regrettable.
Just think of how insecure this will make you feel.
We are in that position right now. Approximately 300 pupils were selected from schools in Niger State, and no one was able to contest them. Only about 100 have been made public, so what about the others?
That gives you an idea of the problem’s scope. Every day, it occurs in churches, mosques, Zamfara, and other locations.
We are arguing that regardless of your religious beliefs—Christian, Muslim, or free-thinking—you are either directly or indirectly impacted.
You are either impacted or your person is.
“To ensure proper coordination to combat the threat of insecurity, we are urging the Office of the National Security Adviser to be more proactive and to work in strong synergy with all security agencies,” said Comrade Manji.
Steve Aluko, Coordinator of Civil Liberty Organizations, voiced concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ability to quickly deploy fighter jets and other equipment to thwart a planned coup in the Benin Republic is a grave indictment of the government’s incapacity to defend Nigerians.
“The situation continues to worsen despite the enormous resources allocated to combat insecurity.
Does Nigeria’s government have any control over the issues we face, such as terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry?
Aluko stated, “We want to see more practical action from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches rather than just rhetoric. The issue is not beyond the government.”
Additionally, on Wednesday, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts in a nonviolent demonstration against the country’s insecurity.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) parade, which took place in Maiduguri today, December 17, 2025, was effectively planned and adequately secured by the Borno State Police Command.
The calm and well-planned parade started from NUJ Junction and finished at Today’s Store on Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian police officers and men were on the scene to make sure that law and order was upheld.
Due in large part to the high degree of collaboration, understanding, and support from the NLC’s leadership and members, no undesirable incidents were reported during the exercise.
Effective management of pedestrian and vehicle traffic ensured that citizens’ legal activities could continue unhindered.
According to a statement from the Borno State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the peaceful parade, which started at NUJ Junction and finished at Today’s Store off Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri, was made possible by the deployment of sufficient security.
The spokesman stated, “The Commissioner of Police Borno State Command CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, commends the conduct of all participants and reassures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights within the state.”
Plateau: NLC and CSOs protest the widespread insecurity and declare that all Nigerians’ fundamental human rights are inviolable
Additionally, on Wednesday, the Enugu state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) began a demonstration against the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
As the demonstrators marched across the city in support of the nationwide protest against the country’s growing insecurity, Enugu’s metropolis came to a complete halt for hours.
The protest, which was spearheaded by NLC Chairman Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, was a reflection of the widespread danger to people’s lives and property across the country.
Chanting slogans like “another challenge! another challenge!” and carrying signs that read, “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries,” protesters marched through Enugu’s main thoroughfares.
Other signs urged the government to do more than just talk; they demanded that residents and schools be protected.
“Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” Nwigbo said in response to the demonstrators, expressing his deep disappointment that cows are safer than people in Nigeria.
He bemoaned the fact that everyone is impacted by insecurity, including workers, teachers, students, farmers, tourists, and even political leaders, underscoring the frightening turmoil in the nation.
He underlined that protecting the lives and property of its residents is the government’s first duty.
He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to how urgently the government must step in to restore security and calm in Nigeria.
He said, “The country is bleeding,” and that following its most recent NEC meeting, the NLC took a strong stance to draw attention to the deteriorating circumstances.
Nwigbo also criticized the security inadequacies that have resulted in a spike in kidnappings and attacks, pointing out the absurdity that cows are better protected than people.
He questioned the reasoning behind a recent event in which a security commander in the North removed his squad from guarding a school, only to have the school attacked and children kidnapped.
He explained that the demonstration also serves as a declaration that the NLC is a group advocating for Nigerians’ safety and dignity rather than being a part of any plot fueling the insecurity situation.
