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By Seyi Babalola
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) gathered in the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu on Wednesday to protest the country’s rising insecurity and demand immediate government action to combat violent crime and kidnappings.
Protesters gathered at the Ikeja subway in Lagos early this morning, carrying placards and singing slogans for the Federal Government to put a stop to insecurity.
Some of the placards read, “Federal Government, No More Excuses and Rhetoric, End Insecurity Now,” while others demanded better protection for workers and the safety of Nigerians.
The protest in Lagos was joined by several civil society organisations, with participants wearing NLC-branded aprons as they marched under the bridge, drawing the attention of commuters and passersby.
Protesters repeatedly accused the government of failing to match promises with action.
“We have had enough of empty promises. Our members and Nigerians are tired of living in fear. The government must act now,” some of the demonstrators chanted.
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The Lagos protest came less than 24 hours after NLC leaders held a late-night meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss labour-related issues, including security challenges affecting workers.
The decision to proceed with the protest suggested that the meeting did not produce assurances strong enough to suspend the planned action.
In Abuja, protesters gathered at the NLC secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory before marching under heavy security presence.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to monitor the procession.
The protesters later moved towards the Federal Ministry of Finance as part of the demonstration.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was among those present at the secretariat, alongside leaders of various labour unions and civil society groups participating in the nationwide action.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, the NLC chapter also commenced its protest against insecurity. The demonstration was led by the state NLC chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, who expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country
