Lagos NLC Members Launch Protest Over Rising Insecurity
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Lagos took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against escalating insecurity, just hours after the union’s leadership held a late-night meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The demonstrators assembled at the Ikeja underpass early in the morning, carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for urgent government action to stop kidnappings, killings, and other violent crimes. Some of the banners read: “Federal Government: No More Excuse and Rhetoric. End Insecurity Now!” Others highlighted the need to protect workers and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
Participants also wore NLC-branded aprons as they marched under the bridge, attracting the attention of commuters and passersby. Many repeatedly voiced frustration, shouting: “We have had enough of empty promises. Our members and Nigerians are tired of living in fear. The government must act now.”
The protest followed the union’s meeting with the President, where labour-related concerns, including security challenges affecting workers, were discussed. The continuation of the demonstration signaled that the talks did not provide sufficient assurances to halt the planned action.
Earlier on Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed the protest would proceed as scheduled at the Labour House in Lagos.
Security personnel were deployed along the protest route to ensure order. The demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests at the time of filing.
The NLC reiterated that persistent insecurity threatens workers’ safety, economic activities, and national stability, urging the government to take concrete actions beyond mere rhetoric.
