Ahead of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide protest scheduled for today, the police have deployed special forces and tactical units across the country to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful and free from violence.
Several state police commands confirmed on Tuesday that they are fully prepared to prevent hoodlums, miscreants, or politically motivated actors from hijacking the rallies. The NLC has maintained that it will proceed with the protest, which was called to draw attention to worsening insecurity, rising living costs, and unresolved labour-related issues.
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Speaking on the mobilisation of affiliate unions, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah affirmed that the protest would go on nationwide. He cautioned that any attempt to disrupt the National Day of Protest and Mourning could trigger an indefinite nationwide strike.
In a statement, Upah disclosed that the congress had received intelligence reports indicating plans by unscrupulous elements and political hirelings to infiltrate or violently disrupt the demonstrations. He warned that any harm to workers or citizens would lead to an immediate and total shutdown of economic activities across the country.
Describing the protest as more than a symbolic march, the NLC said it represents a collective expression of grief, frustration, and a constitutional demand for safety and the right to life. The union stressed that an attack on the protest would amount to an attack on the nation’s economic backbone, with severe consequences.
The congress linked the protest to unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, escalating living costs, deteriorating working conditions, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ safety and productivity. It highlighted the loss of lives among its members, including teachers, farmers, miners, and artisans, due to persistent insecurity and what it described as government inaction.
The NLC emphasised that the protest is a civic responsibility, not merely a labour action, aimed at mobilising citizens and compelling authorities to prioritise security and governance reforms. State chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were directed to mobilise members for peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
Following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 4, the union condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers and criticised the government’s response to the deteriorating security situation. It cited, among other incidents, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, which it described as evidence of the alarming rise in kidnappings targeting students.
The NLC also raised concerns about poverty levels, referencing World Bank data indicating that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are living below the poverty line. It further criticised the state of tertiary education, unpaid allowances, outdated infrastructure, and unresolved disputes in the health and public service sectors.
Support for the protest has grown, with the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) declaring its full backing and urging Nigerians to participate in solidarity. The forum described the action as a national duty necessitated by insecurity, poor governance, failing public services, and harsh economic realities.
Similarly, the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum announced its participation while assuring the public that aviation services would continue uninterrupted. Its leadership described the protest as peaceful, lawful, and within the constitutional rights of workers.
At the state level, NLC councils, including Edo State, have pledged full compliance with the national directive, while appealing for cooperation from state governments to ensure peaceful mobilisation.
Meanwhile, police commands across states including Benue, Jigawa, Sokoto, Imo, Bayelsa, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, and Kwara have confirmed heightened security measures. These include the deployment of tactical units, surveillance drones, enhanced patrols, and engagement with labour leaders to guarantee orderly protests and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Police authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly while maintaining public safety throughout the demonstrations.
