Labour Demands Arrest, Prosecution of Insecurity Funders as Protests Erupt Across Nigeria

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has staged nationwide protests over worsening insecurity, demanding that the federal government deploy the full machinery of governance to reclaim communities, protect workers and restore public confidence. Labour also called for the arrest and prosecution of those funding insecurity.

In Abuja, the protest was marked by heavy security deployment, with protesters prevented from marching beyond the Ministry of Finance. NLC President Joe Ajaero had earlier denied claims that the protest was called off after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that discussions were ongoing.

Addressing workers, Deputy General Secretary Ismail Bello said the protest aimed to highlight the gravity of physical and financial insecurity facing Nigerians. “We are reminding the world of the calamity that has befallen many communities and workers – healthcare workers, nurses, teachers, transport workers and others,” he said.

In Lagos, protesters marched to the House of Assembly, submitting a letter to the Speaker and demanding decisive action to end insecurity. NLC Chairperson Agnes Sessi described the situation as overwhelming, with fear dominating citizens’ lives. Human rights activist Femi Falana warned that the country was in serious trouble, urging the government to adequately motivate security personnel and address fiscal and social security challenges.

Protests also erupted in Kebbi, Osun, Kano, Enugu, Delta, Abia and Sokoto, with labour and civil society groups demanding an end to insecurity. In Sokoto, protesters highlighted the devastating impact of banditry, killings and abductions on communities, calling for urgent federal intervention.

The NLC cited alarming statistics, including 2,295 teachers killed and 19,000 displaced since 2009, 910 schools destroyed and 1,500 learning centres shut. Labour blamed socio-economic injustice, corruption and poor funding for fuelling insecurity, estimating that Nigeria lost ₦300 billion during the 30-day JOHESU strike alone.

The protests come amid heightened concern over insecurity, with communities living in fear and economic activities disrupted. The NLC has vowed to continue pushing for government action, with President Ajaero saying labour would reconvene to decide next steps.