NLC and CSOs Hold Nationwide Protest, Call on FG to Uphold Citizens’ Rights Amid Security Challenges

Together with civil society organizations (CSOs), organized labor unions operating under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) platform have criticized the federal government for the widespread insecurity, pointing out that “the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are sacrosanct.”

CSOs and organized labor lamented the government’s terrible failure to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 revised constitution.

Amid concerns over insecurity, the unions held a nonviolent demonstration in Jos on Wednesday. They carried banners and placards with various inscriptions and threatened to shut down the nation without warning if the federal government did nothing.

According to the Daily Champion, the demonstrators gathered as early as 8 a.m. and then went to the Plateau State House of Assembly and Government House Little Rayfield, where they delivered a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting that he take the appropriate measures.

They claimed that “many communities were ransacked and taken over by the terrorists” and demanded that internally displaced people (IDPs) be immediately returned to their ancestral homes in order to prevent more attacks in the areas.

The NLC chairman of the Plateau State Chapter, Comrade Eugene Manji, stated, “Today we are here to register and express our displeasure to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, from the state to the local government, and to the three tiers of government of this country.”

The problem of insecurity is something that we have all seen.

Manji, who provided an explanation of the protest’s motivation, stated that it is a continuation of their May Day (Workers’ Day 2025) event, in which they voiced their disapproval of Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

“And last week, while we were in Lagos for the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting, it was decided that all 36 of the federation’s states should act concurrently.

“It is quite relevant that you live in a nation where people are being murdered like animals, and you are unaware of this until another nation, like the United States of America, informs you that you are a nation of special significance.

Take a look at our schools on the Plateau now. Due to insecurity, students have missed more than a month of classes.

We are supporting these individuals by closing schools because Boko Haram claims that Western education is prohibited.

They have already succeeded in severely impairing education by the time we close the schools.

Without education, a nation is already doomed. It is regrettable that a nation with more than 250 million citizens might become illiterate.

Imagine how much insecurity this will cause.

“We are now at that location. About 300 pupils from Niger State’s schools were chosen, and no one could contest them. Where are the remaining ones? About 100 have been made public.

That gives you an idea of how big the issue is. It occurs daily in locations like churches, mosques, and Zamfara.

In other words, regardless of your beliefs—Christian, Muslim, or free thinker—you are either directly or indirectly impacted.

It either affects you or your person.

Comrade Manji said, “We are calling on the Office of the National Security Adviser to be more proactive and to work in robust synergy with all security agencies so that there will be proper coordination to fight the threat of insecurity.”

Steve Aluko, Coordinator of Civil Liberty Organizations, expressed concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ability to quickly use fighter jets and other equipment to thwart a planned coup in the Benin Republic would be a grave indictment of the government’s incapacity to defend Nigerians.

“In spite of the enormous resources allocated to combat insecurity, the situation is getting worse.

When it comes to kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, does the Nigerian government have any control over these issues?

“We want to see more practical action from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches rather than just rhetoric because the issue is not beyond the government,” stated Aluko.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Borno state chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) joined its national counterparts in a nonviolent demonstration against the nation’s insecurity.

For the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) procession that took place in Maiduguri today, December 17, 2025, the Borno State Police Command effectively organized and supplied sufficient security deployment.

Starting at NUJ Junction and ending at Today’s Store along Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri, the nonviolent procession was well-planned and organized.

To make sure that peace and order did not break down, Nigerian police officers and men were present.

Because of the great degree of collaboration, understanding, and support from the NLC’s leadership and members, no undesired incidents were noted during the exercise.

Effective management of pedestrian and vehicle traffic ensured unimpeded traffic flow without interfering with citizens’ legal activities.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the Borno State Police Command stated that the peaceful procession, which started at NUJ Junction and ended at Today’s Store off Gidan Madara Road in Maiduguri, was made possible by the deployment of sufficient security.

The standby stated, “Commissioner of Police Borno State Command CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, commends the conduct of all participants and reassures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights within the state.”

Plateau: NLC and CSOs denounce the widespread insecurity and declare that every Nigerian’s fundamental human rights are untouchable

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Enugu state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) started a protest against the growing level of insecurity in Nigeria.

As the demonstrators marched across the city in support of the nationwide protest over the country’s growing insecurity, Enugu’s metropolis came to a complete halt for hours.

Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, the chairman of the NLC, led the protest, which showed how deeply concerned he was about the widespread danger to people’s lives and property across the country.

Chants like “another challenge! another challenge!” and signs reading “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries” were carried by protesters as they marched through Enugu’s main thoroughfares.

Other signs demanded that residents and schools be protected and urged the government to act decisively rather than just rhetorically.

“Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security personnel,” Nwigbo said to the demonstrators, expressing his deep disappointment that cows are safer than people in Nigeria.

He bemoaned how everyone is impacted by insecurity, including workers, teachers, students, farmers, tourists, and even government officials, underscoring the frightening level of instability in the nation.

He underlined that the government’s main duty is to protect the lives and property of its inhabitants.

He revealed that the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the pressing need for government action to bring peace and security back to Nigeria.

“The nation is bleeding,” he said, adding that the NLC took a strong stance to draw attention to the deteriorating situation following its most recent NEC meeting.

Nwigbo also criticized security shortcomings that have resulted in a spike in kidnappings and attacks, pointing out the absurdity that cows are better protected than humans.

He questioned the reasoning for a security chief’s recent decision to remove his squad from defending a school in the North, which led to an attack and the kidnapping of children.

He explained that the demonstration also serves as a declaration that the NLC is a group advocating for Nigerians’ safety and dignity rather than a part of any plot fueling the country’s insecurity situation.