The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide demonstration for December 17, citing what it described as a sharp decline in security across the country.
Okay News reports that the decision followed the labour union’s NEC-in-session meeting held on December 4, with a formal notice issued to all state councils on December 10.
At the centre of the NLC’s anger is the continued wave of kidnappings and violent attacks, including the November 17 abduction of female students from a boarding school in Kebbi State.
The NLC said it was disturbed that security personnel had been withdrawn shortly before the incident, calling it a failure that must be urgently addressed.
The communiqué issued after the meeting captured the union’s position clearly. “The surge in kidnappings targeting schoolchildren has reached an alarming and unacceptable level,” it reads.
The labour body also described the Kebbi school attack as a “dastardly and criminal” act, insisting that those responsible for the withdrawal of security officers must be held to account.
“The NEC-in-Session demands an immediate and thorough investigation into, and prosecution of, all those involved in the withdrawal of security personnel from the affected school,” it added.
According to the NLC, the federal government has not done enough to secure schools in rural and vulnerable areas.
The union argued that the pattern of attacks shows that children and teachers remain exposed despite repeated promises of reform.
“The NEC-in-Session is concerned that the government has not done enough to secure all the schools, especially those on the fringes of the towns and those in remote areas, to stop attacks on innocent pupils and students and their teachers,” the communiqué added.
With tensions growing, the NLC has now directed all affiliates and state councils to prepare fully for the protest.
“Consequently, the NEC-in-Session directs all NLC-affiliates and state councils to fully mobilise for a nationwide protest against insecurity scheduled for 17th December 2025.”
