Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday took to the streets in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu to protest rising insecurity and urge the Federal Government to take urgent action to protect lives and property.
In Lagos, hundreds of workers and civil society supporters gathered early at the Ikeja under‑bridge, holding placards with messages such as “End Insecurity Now” and “Protect Nigerians.” The protesters marched through major routes, chanting solidarity songs and condemning kidnappings, killings and attacks on communities across the country. The Lagos demonstration was peaceful, but passionate, as participants expressed deep frustration with the persistent threats to safety and livelihood.
The Lagos protest came on the heels of a late‑night meeting between the NLC leadership and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, which failed to avert the nationwide action. Labour leaders said they were not satisfied with assurances from government officials and felt compelled to press ahead with the rally.
In Abuja, the protest began at the NLC Secretariat, where labour leaders addressed the crowd before marching towards key government offices. The Federal Capital Territory command of the Nigeria Police deployed officers to maintain order, and there was a strong presence of security personnel including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Organisers reiterated their commitment to a peaceful demonstration while condemning the worsening insecurity.
In Enugu, the NLC chapter, led by the state chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, also staged a march, calling on both federal and state authorities to strengthen security operations and end the cycle of violence.
Across all locations, the protests underscored the labour movement’s resolve to hold the government accountable for the surge in armed banditry, abductions and attacks, even as calls grew louder for sustained efforts to tackle Nigeria’s deep‑rooted security challenges.
