Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has explained that its planned nationwide protest slated for December 17 is a response to the country's worsening insecurity and a call for urgent, coordinated action by all stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists in Gombe on Saturday after a meeting with Governor Inuwa Yahaya on labour-related matters, NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, said the protest was not politically motivated but driven by the daily reality faced by Nigerians across all walks of life.
According to Ajaero, insecurity has grown to a level where no segment of society is spared, stressing that workers, families and investors are all bearing the brunt.
"The protest is to demand decisive government action against insecurity because this problem affects every Nigerian, irrespective of status or occupation," he said.
He described banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes as practices alien to Nigeria's values, warning that allowing them to thrive was creating a dangerous national narrative.
"Our planned protest is to call attention to the impact of insecurity on investors and workers, who are kidnapped daily and sometimes killed," Ajaero stated.
The NLC president noted that insecurity was hurting the economy and discouraging both local and foreign investment, making national recovery increasingly difficult.
Recalling a recent incident in Kebbi State, Ajaero said, "The person killed was a teacher, while the kidnapped children included those of workers."
"So we are asking the government to help fish out the perpetrators and put an end to this menace," he added.
He explained that the protest was also meant to reassure government that Nigerians were ready to support firm action against criminals.
"Government should know their hands are being strengthened to do the needful because Nigerians are saying this is wrong and must stop," Ajaero said.
Ajaero further called for collective resistance against kidnapping for ransom, warning that it was eroding national values and social cohesion. He lamented that workers often suffer the most, as many kidnapped victims lack the means to pay ransom and are forced into debt or public appeals.
"It is important for workers to join the call to end insecurity, unless government wants to give us security allowance to pay ransom," he said.
"We don't have guns or cutlasses to chase criminals; protest is our only voice to Nigerians and the international community," Ajaero added.
The NLC president also urged the government to strengthen social safety nets, arguing that the minimum wage alone cannot address the current level of hardship without additional supportive incentives.