By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared a nationwide protest set for Dec. 17.
The aim of the protest is to demand urgent government action on rising insecurity, failing tertiary education, ongoing health sector strikes, and concerns over political interference in the Labour Party.
The announcement came after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting at the union’s Sub-Secretariat in Yaba, Lagos, on Dec. 4.
The council expressed deep worry about the worsening security situation in the country.
It cited the abduction of 24 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State on Nov. 17, during which two staff members were killed.
The union criticized the withdrawal of security personnel before the attack and warned that kidnappings targeting schoolchildren have reached a dangerous level requiring immediate government action.
Nigeria’s poverty level also remains a serious concern, the Labour Congress said
The NLC said to the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update released in October 2025, showed that about 139 million people, representing roughly 61 to 62 per cent of the population, now live in poverty.
The NLC called on the government to protect schools, especially those in remote or high-risk areas, and to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for security lapses.
The union also raised the alarm over the crisis in tertiary education, noting that university infrastructure is decaying, teaching and research resources are outdated, and staff allowances are often unpaid.
It urged the government to provide fair pay for all university workers while considering the different needs of professional groups.
The council also reviewed the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions, which started on Nov.14.
It expressed concern over some nurses leaving the strike and warned that the NLC and its affiliates could join the action fully if negotiations with the government fail.
In addition, the NLC decided to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition to strengthen cooperation between labour groups and civil society in addressing national challenges.
